More time in disabled man inquiry

Heather Wardle and James Hughes were reported missing on Saturday

Police have been granted another 12 hours to question two people on suspicion of murdering a disabled man.

Dental records have confirmed a body found at a house in Redditch, Worcestershire, was that of James Hughes, who was 22.

Police have refused to comment on reports he was found in a suitcase in a shed at the family home.

A post-mortem examination has failed to establish how Mr Hughes died, West Mercia Constabulary said.

The force said it would be several weeks before the results of further tests were known.

Mr Hughes' mother, Heather Wardle, 39, was found dead beneath a tree with a ligature around her neck on Monday.

Her partner Brian Kirby is one of those being questioned, it is understood.

Mother's death 'unexplained'

On Friday morning, Redditch magistrates gave detectives a 12-hour extension.

That follows a 12-hour superintendent's extension granted on Thursday evening.

Police are searching the back garden of the family home in Loxley Close

Mr Hughes, who had the mental age of an 18-month-old, and his mother had been reported missing on Saturday.

The death of mother-of-four Ms Wardle is being treated as unexplained.

West Mercia Constabulary said it would distribute letters to residents in the Church Hill area of Redditch to thank them for their co-operation.

Ch Insp Angela Burnet said: "Police activity is likely to continue in and around Loxley Close for some days yet.

"Officers are conducting house-to-house and forensic enquiries.

"It is essential such work is conducted to ensure an effective investigation takes place."

She added that patrols had been increased in the area to offer residents reassurance.