Two held over disabled man's murder are freed

Apr 25 2008

TWO people arrested on suspicion of murdering disabled James Hughes were released without charge today.

His stepfather Brian Kirby and a youth were detained on Wednesday following the discovery of Mr Hughes’s body at the family home in Redditch, Worcestershire.

Earlier this week, his mother Heather Wardle, 39, was found dead in woodland nearby.

James was severely disabled and was reported missing at the same time as his mother on Saturday. Neighbours said he had not been seen for some weeks.

Superintendent Jane Horwood, of West Mercia Constabulary, said: “I can confirm that both people in custody have been released without charges this afternoon. They have both co-operated fully with our inquiries.

“Our investigation into the deaths of Heather Wardle and James Hughes are continuing and forensic examinations of the family home at Loxley Close are ongoing.

“We would ask that the media refrain from any further speculation that could hinder the investigation of this case or cause distress to the family.”