Man wanted in murder inquiry could be in London

Peter Fox is wanted by police for questioning after his mother and sister were found dead Credit: Merseyside Police

Police hunting for a man wanted in connection with the murders of his mother and sister believe he travelled to the London area.

Bernadette Fox, 57, and her daughter Sarah Fox, 27, were found dead within hours of each other at two separate addresses in Merseyside.

Their family say they are "absolutely devastated at their loss" and are struggling to come to terms with their deaths.

Merseyside Police said Mrs Fox died of asphyxiation, while her daughter was repeatedly stabbed.

Detectives are now hunting for Peter Fox, 26, the son and brother of the victims, in connection with the double murder.

They have appealed for the public's help to find him, but urged people not to approach him, but instead call 999.

Mrs Fox's body was found at an address in Brookhill Road, Bootle, at 4am on Friday, 17th April, while her daughter's was discovered at a property in Worcester Road, Bootle, at around 9.15pm on Thursday, 16th April.

The family urged anyone with information about the incident to contact police to help them "find justice for Bernadette and Sarah".

Sarah Fox died after she was stabbed repeatedly Credit: Merseyside Police

In a statement issued through police, a family spokesman said: "We are absolutely devastated following the loss of Bernadette and Sarah and are still trying to come to terms with what has happened to them both.

"Bernadette, who was a mother of three and grandmother of three, was a very outgoing and lovely person who wouldn't harm anyone. In fact she only ever had nice things to say about people. She was so caring and would help anyone.

"And Sarah was loved by her family and well-liked by her friends and neighbours. She was a fantastic aunty and was a cheeky, bubbly and outgoing person who loved her dog. They will both be greatly missed.

"We would ask that people appreciate that this is a sad and tragic time for the family and that we are left alone to grieve in peace, whilst we try to understand what has happened."

Fox is described as white, between 5ft 2in and 5ft 5in and of slight build with short, dark hair - no longer shaved - and brown eyes. He speaks with a Liverpool accent.

Both properties remain sealed off while forensic investigators carry out searches, and detectives are also looking for CCTV footage.