Man held at Dover after women found dead in flat

A man was arrested today trying to flee the country after two young women were bludgeoned to death at their flat.

The bodies of the women, believed to be in their early twenties, were found by a concierge after their families raised the alarm. Police said the pair had been subjected to "sustained, frenzied attack" at the property in Ladywood, Birmingham.

Around 12 hours later specialist officers from Kent police stopped and arrested a 28-year-old man in connection with the killings. He was trying to board a ferry at Dover.

Today Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Mirfield of West Midland police said: "We believe at this stage at least one or more weapons had been used. We also believe that the arrested man may be known to the victims."

Mr Mirfield said there appeared to be "signs of ransacking", adding: "We need to examine how the doors lock, but it doesn't appear there was any forced entry." He said that it was a "disturbed scene with a huge amount of forensic opportunities".

Mr Mirfield revealed the concierge forced entry into the flat and discovered the bodies yesterday afternoon. Police believe the womenwere killed sometime over the weekend.