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

Robert Heaven was formerly named as the 61-year-old found dead at his home in Hemley Road, Orsett, on December 3, at the opening of an inquest into his death on Friday, December 13.

Essex Police’s serious crime directorate is working on the theory Mr Heavan shot his step son Albert Stewart at the address in a quiet street a number of times.

It is believed he 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 DI Martin Pasmore said: "This appears to be a tragic family related incident and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the matter.

“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 examination was carried out on December 5, 2013 and gave an initial cause of Mr Heaven’s death as a single gun-shot wound to the head.

Mr Stewart, 45, was found by police at the address with gun-shot wounds and remains stable in the Royal London Hospital.

Essex Police said on Friday, December 13 it was likely he has received life changing injuries.