22/04/2008

Body Found In Missing Mother And Son Case

Police have found a woman’s body as part of the ongoing investigation into the disappearance of a mother and her disabled son.

39-year-old Heather Wardle and James, 22, from Worcestershire went missing last Friday after she said she was going to a friend’s house in Redditch.

A West Mercia Police spokeswoman says that the body found in undergrowth near Winyates Way, is yet to be identified.

James whose birthday was on Sunday has the mental age of an 18-month-old, suffers from epilepsy and needs constant care.

Detective Inspector John Marsden said in an appeal to the mother on Sunday that "caring for a person with James’ complex problems can be overwhelming," and that it was "entirely understandable that the day-to-day challenges of looking after James may have got on top of you".

He added that he promised that she would get more help to care for her son if she contacted the police.

A press conference will be held today and will be headed by Superintendent Jane Horwood.

Superintendent Horwood said in a statement that James "needs his most basic needs taking care of and cannot fend for himself".

Police have been searching Arrow Valley Country Park overnight.

(DS)


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