Police seek son after father's murder

Scenes of crime officers are examining the house

A murder inquiry has begun after a man was found dead and his wife critically injured at their home on Merseyside.

On Thursday, Merseyside Police said detectives were trying to find the couple's son - who lives in Birmingham - in connection with the attack.

The body of 51-year-old John O'Hare was found at the house in Oxton, Birkenhead at 2040 GMT on Wednesday night.

His wife, Diane who suffered serious head injuries, was also found at the house.

House sealed

The 44-year-old is in a critical condition at Walton Neurological Centre, after initially being taken to Arrowe Park Hospital.

It is not yet clear how the couple sustained their injuries.

Detective Inspector Colin Leeman, who is leading the inquiry, said they were trying to trace the couple's 25-year-old son Mark in connection with the attacks.

On Thursday morning the couple's house was sealed off with scenes of crime officers gathering evidence.

A post-mortem examination is due to be carried out later on Mr O'Hare's body by a Home Office pathologist.

The couple's son is described as 6ft 2ins tall and of slim build. It is understood he has not been living at the family home.