Double Murder Investigation

A 37-year-old man has been remanded in custody after being charged with the murders of Carole and Avtar Kolar at their home in Birmingham last week.

The man was last night charged by detectives investigating the deaths of the couple, who were found at their home on Friary Road, Handsworth Wood a week ago.

Mr and Mrs Kolar were found by their police officer son last Wednesday (11 January), who became concerned when the couple weren't responding to phone calls. A murder investigation was immediately launched and the results of the post mortem showed that they died as a result of head injuries.

Sector Crown Prosecutor from West Midlands Crown Prosecution Service, Martin Lindup, said:

"I have advised West Midlands Police that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge Rimvydas Liorancas, aged 37, with two counts of murder following the death of Avtar and Carole Kolar at their home in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham on Tuesday 10 January."

During a press conference held this morning, the force confirmed that they had ruled out any connection between Carole and Avtar Kolar's death and the fact that their son is a police officer or indeed any connection to the force's work with gangs.

The investigation also ruled out that the theft of gold was a motive for the murder. A number of items that were stolen from the property have been recovered.

Detectives, forensic specialists and local officers have worked day and night to find the person responsible for this crime.

Det Chief Supt Steve Jupp, head of force CID, said:

"The devastating impact of such a tragic and senseless death has been far reaching. The family have been overwhelmed by messages of support from friends, from the local community and much further afield.

"The investigation into Carole and Avtar's death has been complex and very fast moving.

"I would like to say thank you to those who have come forward and given us our information. It is the information given by local people to our officers that is vital and in this case we have received a number of very important phone calls."

DCS Jupp continued:

"We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this murder but much work remains to be done to bring this investigation to court.

"The Kolar family have been updated at each stage of our enquiry and continue to be supported by specialist officers and staff. We hope that they will now be given some time and privacy to grieve their tragic loss.

"The communities of Handsworth Wood and Birmingham have supported our investigation wholeheartedly. We thank them, the media and the general public for their support."

Two arrests were made over the last weekend, however both people were subsequently released without charge.

 Anyone with information that could assist the enquiry is asked to call Force CID in Birmingham by calling the new non-emergency telephone number, 101, and asking for officers working on Operation Tiler, or by calling the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.