24/04/2008

Police Quiz Two Men Over Double Deaths

Police investigating the deaths of a mother and son are questioning two men.

Heather Wardle, 39, and her disabled son James Hughes, 22, went missing last Friday after she said she was walking to a friend's house in Redditch.

Ms Wardle's body was found with a ligature around her neck in woodland on Tuesday. A post mortem carried out on Ms Wardle provided no conclusive evidence of the cause of death but police believe that she died within 24 hours of her last sighting on Friday.

Police believe that a body found yesterday, is that of missing Ms Wardle's son, Mr Hughes. The body was discovered at the family home in Loxley Close, Church Hill at around 2.30pm.

A post mortem is being carried out on the body to establish the time of death.

Superintendent Jane Horwood of West Mercia Constabulary said: "The post mortem should give us more information about how and when James died.

"What started out as a missing persons inquiry has tragically become an investigation into two deaths.

Supt Horwood added: "We have had a good response to appeals for information and reported sightings of James are being investigated as we are trying to establish exactly when and where he was last seen."

Mr Wardle had the mental age of an 18-month-old child, suffered from epilepsy and needed constant care.

Two men are being questioned on suspicion of murder at police stations in Kidderminster and Redditch.

Ms Wardle's partner, Brian Kirby said in a statement released by police that she was a "brilliant partner" who "doted" on her children Daniel, 17, eight-year-old Callum and six-year-old Luke.

A team of 50 officers are currently investigating the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Redditch Police on 08457 444888.

(DS)


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23 April 2008
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