Birmingham murders: Husband and wife found by son

The couple had four children and eight grandchildren

A husband and wife who were found murdered at their Birmingham home were discovered by their police officer son.

Avtar Singh-Kolar, 62, and his wife Carole, 58, were found dead at an address in Friary Road, Handsworth Wood, at about 08:00 GMT.

Police believe the couple, who had four children and eight grandchildren, were subjected to an assault.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses and said they would catch those responsible.

Det Supt Richard Baker said: "We currently have over 60 detectives from West Midlands Police CID along with a lot of our uniform colleagues working around the clock to catch the offenders responsible for this and bring them to justice.

"I can assure the local communities and the family that we will catch the people who have done this horrendous crime."

He said the couple's son, a serving officer with the West Midlands force, had gone to the house on Wednesday morning after being unable to contact them on the phone.

Det Supt Baker said: "Our thoughts are with the family of this couple and the community in which they lived.

"It was obvious from the scene the couple had been assaulted and had more than likely died of their injuries.

"At 7.15 last night a family member spoke to Carole and there were no issues.

"At 8am this morning their son went round to find the couple dead at the scene."

He described the Singh-Kolars as a "close-knit, loving family" and said the couple had been married for 40 years and had lived in the Handsworth Wood area for most of their lives.

West Midlands Police said more than 60 detectives were working on the case

Det Supt Baker said the inquiry was in the very early stages and officers were "keeping an open mind" about the possible motive.

When asked if it might be a revenge attack linked to the couple's son's police work, he said: "We are looking at that as a possibility but we have no information to suggest it is the case at this stage.

"We have a full team of experts and forensic scientists at the address. It is very early days and we don't want to miss any opportunity."

He said officers were also keeping an open mind about what kind of weapon was used.

West Midlands Police said their search would focus on the outside of the building before moving inside. Officers have also been searching the drains in surrounding streets.

Acting Supt Sean Russell said incidents such as these could have a "massive impact" on the local community and said the force would be using Twitter and Facebook to reach out to residents.

Witness appeal

Det Supt Baker said: "We're appealing for anybody who may have seen or heard anything suspicious within the Friary Road area of Handsworth Wood to come forward with any information they have, and please can I stress that any information could prove vital to coming to a very quick and swift conclusion to this inquiry.

"I'm absolutely convinced that local people within the area of Handsworth Wood have that vital bit of information that will lead to the identity of these offenders and bring them to justice as quickly as we possibly can.

Post-mortem examinations are expected to be carried out within the next two days.

Police said neighbourhood officers were out in the local area "delivering reassurance messages".