Indian-origin man's murder accused found dead in jail

London: A Lithuanian national arrested for the twin murders of Indian-origin man Avtar Singh Kolar and his English wife in Birmingham has been found hanging in his prison cell, where he was lodged since early this month.

Rimvydas Liorancas, 37, was charged with murdering Avtar and Carole Kolar, whose bodies were found at their Handsworth Wood home by their son, an officer with the West Midlands Police.

Liorancas was found hanging in his cell in Wood Hill jail in Milton Keynes on Saturday, official sources said today.

The police said the investigation into the twin murders will continue and the completed findings will now be presented to the coroner at the inquest. The police said the family of Carole and Avtar Kolar has been informed of the development.

The family today released the following statement: "We were made aware of the death of Liorancas by police on Saturday. We understand the investigation into our parents' deaths will continue and the findings be presented to the coroner."

"We ask that we be left alone as we continue to grieve over the deaths of our mum and dad," the statement added.