Man in court over deaths of mother and daughter

A man accused of murdering a mother and her 28-year-old daughter in Liverpool has been remanded into custody after appearing in court.

Anthony Showers, 42, appeared at Sefton Magistrates Court in Bootle on Thursday after he was charged with the double murder of Karen Lyn Hales, 53, and Jade Hales.

The two women were found dead at their house in Anfield on Monday after Merseyside Police received reports of concern for their welfare.

Showers, of Clarendon Road, Anfield, will next appear at Liverpool Crown Court on June 30.

A post-mortem examination found the women died from severe blunt force head injuries after being assaulted.

Jade's pet dog was also found dead.

A tribute released on behalf of their family said the women would be "so badly missed" and thanked well-wishers for their support.

It read: "We as the family of Karen and Jade Hales would like to thank everyone for all the support we have received at this tragic time from our wonderful family, friends and neighbours. Merseyside Police have also been a great support to us.

"Karen and Jade were a large part of our family, they were as close as any mum and daughter could be and they will be so badly missed.

"We as the family need privacy to grieve Jade and Karen and to come to terms with this horrific shock we have all suffered."