DETECTIVES are investigating how a man, believed to have shot his stepson before turning the gun on himself, obtained an illegal firearm.

Robert Heaven was formally named as the 61-year-old found dead at his home in Hemley Road, Orsett, on December 3, at the opening of an inquest.

Essex Police’s serious crime directorate is working on the theory Mr Heavan shot his stepson, Albert Stewart, at the address a number of times. It is believed Mr Heaven then turned the gun on himself at around 3pm.

Police have confirmed the gun was illegally-obtained, and that they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the inquiry.

Senior investigating officer, Det Insp Martin Pasmore, said: “This appears to be a tragic, familyrelated inciden.

“An unregistered firearm was recovered from the scene and we will investigate the origin of this weapon.

“We are not treating Mr Heaven’s death as suspicious and will prepare a file for the coroner in due course.’’ A post mortem carried out on December 5 gave an initial cause of death as a single gun-shot wound to the head.

Police found Mr Stewart, 45, with gunshot wounds.

He remains stable in the Royal London Hospital, in Whitechapel.

Police said on Friday it was likely he had received life-changing injuries.