Police are treating the deaths of two people found in a granny flat on Sydney’s Northern Beaches as suspicious.

The bodies of a man, aged in his 40s, and a woman, aged in her 50s, were discovered by police in the small flat at the rear of a home in Cannons Parade, Forestville, about 9.30pm yesterday.

Emergency services visited the home after reports of concern for the welfare of the victims – who hadn’t been seen since last Saturday – and their two dogs and cat.

Detective Superintendent John Duncan from NSW Police said today the bodies were found during a brief search after firefighters had helped police gain access to the property.

He said the man and woman, who were in a domestic relationship, were yet to be formally identified but detectives were treating the deaths as suspicious.

“At this point in time, all lines of inquiry are being looked at. I can’t tell you what the scene looks like, crime scenes are still processing it,” Duncan said.

Duncan said detectives were not at this stage seeking any third party in their investigations.

The man and woman were believed to be known to police for “minor matters”.

The couple had lived in NSW for a number of years and resided in Sydney for about 18 months.

Lacerations were found on the bodies, but there were no further details about the cause of death or extent of their injuries.

NSW Police were in contact with counterparts in Queensland over reports the man and woman were known to police there due in relation to domestic violence incidents.

“Obviously, we are talking to our counterparts in Queensland at this particular point in time; until we formally identify the people, it’s a bit difficult to actually confirm what records relate to them. So … that is definitely a line of inquiry,” said Duncan.

Police are appealing for anyone who saw any suspicious behaviour in the street over recent days or has information to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.