'I am innocent' says stepfather

The body of Ms Wardle, pictured with her partner, was found in woodland

The stepfather of a disabled man found dead in a suitcase has spoken publicly for the first time since he was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Brian Kirby, 36, was held on suspicion of killing James Hughes, whose body was found in a decomposed condition.

Mr Hughes's body was found in the family's garden, less than 48 hours after his mother Heather Wardle, 39, was found dead in nearby woodland.

Police have said both deaths are still being treated as unexplained.

Mr Kirby and a 17-year-old who was also held were released without charge.

Nadeem Naguthney reads out a statement on behalf of Brian Kirby.

In a statement, Mr Kirby, of Redditch, Worcestershire, said he and the 17-year-old were innocent of the murder.

The statement, read by Mr Kirby's solicitor, said: "We cannot express in words our feelings on being arrested by the police on suspicion of murder.

"Time is a healer but only time will tell if it can heal the deep wounds left by the tragic losses that we have suffered.

"We hope memory of the good times with James and Heather will ease our passage through these difficult and traumatic times."

'Second to none'

Mr Kirby said he had co-operated with police at every turn.

"We protested our innocence and the police decided to take no further action and we were released without charge.

James Hughes was described as "wonderful and special"

"This did not remove the grief that we continue to suffer."

Mr Kirby also paid tribute to his partner and his 22-year-old stepson, saying James had been a "wonderful and special son".

He said Ms Wardle's support and care for James were "second to none".

"Her parenting skills were an example for all. We will find it impossible to tell the younger members of the family where mummy is."

The mother-of-four's body was discovered in undergrowth off Winyates Way in the Church Hill area, less than a mile from where she lived.