Tara Palmer-Tomkinson, the socialite and self-confessed 'It girl' of her generation, had not been seen for nearly a week before she was found dead in her home at the age of 45, her neighbours have claimed.

Palmer-Tomkinson, who lived alone in West London, was pronounced dead in her own home after a long period of ill-health, months after she disclosed she had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Friends said they had feared for her in recent weeks after she appeared frail and out of contact, as police confirmed they were treating the death as unexplained but not suspicious.

An ambulance had been called to the address at 1.40pm, before police were alerted.