Hunt still on for killers of husband and wife

The bodies of Avtar Kolar, 62, and Carole, 58, who had four children, were discovered at their semi-detached home in Handsworth Wood, Birmingham, by their son Jason Kolar, a serving police officer.

He had gone to the property in Friary Road to check on them on Wednesday morning after family members had been unable to make contact.

On Thursday, two of the children of Mr and Mrs Kolar made a public plea for help in finding their killers, saying the light had been “switched out” in their lives.

Michelle Kirwan, 39, and her brother, Avtar Kolar, 32, said their hearts had been “broken forever” as they made the request during a press conference.

Mrs Kirwan said: “My mum and dad were the sweetest, kindest people that I have ever met and would do anything for anyone.

“They were the beautiful parents of myself, Jason, Taz and Marie, and the precious nanna and grandad of eight grandchildren, who adored them with all their hearts.”

Mr and Mrs Kolar, who had been married for 40 years, had eight grandchildren who they often helped to look after.

Mrs Kirwan added: “As a family we could not have been closer.

“We did everything together – holidays, Christmas, birthdays and weddings. We adored each other and loved each other so much.

“Whoever has done this has not taken just two lives, but a further 16. Our hearts are broken forever and our lives will never be the same.”

West Midlands Police said a team of more than 60 officers had been assigned to the case, and vowed to work “around the clock” to find the couple’s killers.