Southport murders: Women died from 'asphyxiation'

Version 0 of 4.

A mother and daughter who were murdered at a house on Merseyside died from asphyxiation, police have said.

Angela Holgate, 54, and Alice Huyton, 75, were found dead at Ms Holgate's home in Fairhaven Road, Marshside, Southport, at 17:45 GMT on Saturday.

Police are trying to trace Barry Morrow, 51, who lodged at the house, but may be in France or Spain.

Detectives believe he may have travelled from Dover to Calais on Saturday evening.

It is thought he may have information vital to the investigation.

He is described as white, 5ft 7in (1.7m), of a medium to stocky build, with straight, short brown, receding hair and blue eyes.

Police are also trying to find Ms Holgate's white Citroen car - registration number PN11 RWK - which was missing from the house's drive.

Mrs Huyton was last seen on Friday evening when she left her home in Southport to visit her daughter.

Ms Holgate, the mother of two adult daughters, had been ill and had not been seen out of the house for the previous week.

Officers were called to the house by Ms Holgate's son-in-law, who found the bodies.

Mrs Huyton was married and her husband, who is in his 80s, is said to be devastated at the news of the deaths.

Police were initially treating the deaths as suspicious but launched a murder inquiry following post-mortem examinations on the women.

Neighbours said Ms Holgate, who sold Avon products, had lived in the house for about 20 years.

Mr Morrow was first seen at the address earlier this year. He had recently re-paved the front garden and driveway.

A neighbour who stopped to compliment him on the work said: "I told him he was doing a good job and he told me he was the lodger.

"He asked me if I needed any jobs doing about the house.

"He was very powerfully built. He could lift the flagstones with one hand. He seemed very affable.

"She was quiet but always said hello.

"I haven't the faintest idea what could have happened. It's very worrying."