Police are hunting a lodger after a woman and her mother were found dead at a house.

Merseyside Police were called to the address in Fairhaven Road, Southport, at around 5.45pm yesterday when the bodies of Angela Holgate, 54, and 75-year-old Alice Huyton were found by a relative.

Officers are treating the deaths as suspicious and post-mortem examinations will take place to establish the cause.

It is thought they may have been strangled or suffocated.

Detectives are keen to speak to a lodger at mother-of-two Ms Holgate's property in upmarket Churchtown.

Police are appealing to 51-year-old Barry Morrow to contact them.

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

It is thought he may be in either France or Spain.

Mrs Huyton was last seen on Friday evening when she left her home in Southport to visit her daughter, who had been ill recently and had not been seen out of the house for some time.
She was married and her husband, thought to be in his 80s, was said to be "devastated" at news of the deaths.

Mr Morrow, thought to be an engineer by profession, is understood to have links to France and Spain.

Ms Holgate's white Citroen with the registration PN11 RWK is also missing.

Chief Superintendent Nikki Holland, area commander for Sefton, said: "We are investigating the tragic deaths of these two women and our sympathy goes to their families.




Forensic experts are examining the scene, officers are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and have stepped up high-visibility patrols.


She had lived in the smart, two-storey semi for around 20 years, raising her two daughters who are both understood to be aged in their 20s.

The one-time Avon Lady was divorced from their father several years ago, neighbours said.

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



"He was very powerfully built, he could lift the flagstones with one hand.

"He seemed very affable.

"She was quiet but always said hello.


Another resident said there were no police sirens or signs of emergency after the bodies were found last night.

He added: "I looked out of the window and there was one police car, later there were two and then a van and the house was taped off.



"Angela and her daughters were always pleasant, she seemed like a lovely woman and they were a lovely family."

Police have sealed off Ms Holgate's house and two properties on either side.

A forensic tent was covering the front door and officers were standing at the driveway to prevent unauthorised access.

Witnesses or anyone with information should call detectives on 0151 777 3165 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.