text: Police are hunting for a 26-year-old man after his mother and sister were found dead at two separate addresses in an alleged double murder in Bootle. The body of Sarah Fox, 27, was found by police on Thursday night, just hours before her 57-year-old mother Bernadette was found dead at sheltered accommodation just half a mile away. Merseyside Police said Mrs Fox died of asphyxiation, while her daughter was repeatedly stabbed. The family of Bernadette (left) and Sarah  family today said they are 'absolutely devastated' at their loss . Bernadette and Sarah's family today said they are 'absolutely devastated' at their loss. Police are now appealing for the public's help to track down Peter Fox. They say they want to speak 'urgently' with him in connection to the deaths. Merseyside Police have issued a photograph of Mr Fox and warned the public not to approach him. Detective Chief Inspector Dave Rooney said: 'We are currently trying to trace Peter Fox, the son of Bernadette, as he could have information which could assist with our investigation. I would appeal to Peter to come forward so that we can speak to him following the murders of his mother and sister. Police are hunting for 26-year-old Peter Fox, the brother and son of the two women who were allegedly murdered this week in Bootle . 'I would also ask the public to help us find Peter as we need to speak to him urgently in relation to the two murders. 'I would stress to the public that if they do see Peter Fox, they should not approach him. We would urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to contact the police on 999.' Fox is described as white, between 5ft 2in and 5ft 5in and of slight build with short, dark hair - no longer shaved - and brown eyes. He speaks with a Liverpool accent. Both properties remained sealed off while forensic investigators carry out searches. Detectives are also looking for CCTV footage. Mr Rooney added: 'The investigation into these deaths is at an early stage and, although the motive is unclear at this time, we believe the offender may be known to the victims. 'I would like to reassure residents who live in the Bootle area where these addresses are located that we have increased patrols in the area to provide reassurance and support.' In a statement issued through police, a spokesman for the Fox family said: 'We are absolutely devastated following the loss of Bernadette and Sarah and are still trying to come to terms with what has happened to them both. 'Bernadette, who was a mother of three and grandmother of three, was a very outgoing and lovely person who wouldn't harm anyone. In fact she only ever had nice things to say about people. She was so caring and would help anyone. Police launched a double murder inquiry after the bodies of two women were found at separate addresses in Bootle, Merseyside. Pictured, officers outside a property in Worcester Road . Sarah Fox, 27, was found dead with multiple injuries at around 9pm on Thursday evening, after police were called to Worcester Road (pictured) over concerns for her welfare . 'And Sarah was loved by her family and well-liked by her friends and neighbours. She was a fantastic aunty and was a cheeky, bubbly and outgoing person who loved her dog. They will both be greatly missed. 'We would ask that people appreciate that this is a sad and tragic time for the family and that we are left alone to grieve in peace, whilst we try to understand what has happened.' The family urged anyone with information about the incident to contact police to help them 'find justice for Bernadette and Sarah'. Sarah Fox's body was found around 9pm on Thursday night after police received a phone call about her welfare. A neighbour had reportedly raised the alarm after seeing a dog loose on the streets. Police stand outside the flat in Worcester Road where a double murder inquiry has been launched yesterday . Another neighbour living close to the flat, who did not want to be named, said: 'I saw one of my neighbours in the street who said he was worried after he noticed the dog from the flat roaming the streets, he had seen it a few times so he knocked on the door but got no answer. 'He called to the house last night and noticed there was a downstairs window open and the back door was ajar.' It was then that the police were called and officers found Sarah Fox's body, who they said had suffered 'multiple injuries'. 'It's so shocking. I've spoken to the girl from those flats before two or three times, she seemed a nice girl,' the neighbour added. Bernadette Fox was found when police arrived at her address through other enquiries. A police van parked up outside Roger Arden Court in Bootle, where Sarah Fox's mother Bernadette, 57, was found dead on Friday morning . Detectives and forensic officers are investigating the killings. Police believe the alleged murderer was known to both women . One neighbour near the sheltered housing property, who did wish to be named, said: 'The girl's name was Sarah - people called her Foxy - and her mum was Bernie. 'Bernie was harmless and Sarah I think had worked at a solicitors nearby, Bernie had a son as well. 'The place where Bernie lived was sheltered accommodation and it had cameras all over the place. 'There's a camera over the intercom so anyone letting someone in would see them. It's a hard place to get into.' Martin Stevenson, Director of Older People's Services at Your Housing Group, said yesterday: 'Tragically a body was discovered at one of our Roger Arden Court sheltered scheme apartments in Bootle this morning. 'Merseyside Police attended the incident and we are continuing to support them with their investigations. 'Our thoughts are very much with the family and friends of the deceased at this difficult time.' Patricia Doragh, who lives in a property near the flat, said: 'It is quite a rough area around here especially up the side streets. 'The police are always up and down the main road it's not a rare thing, it's a street quite well known for alcohol. 'When I took my grandsons out earlier about 12 o'clock there was nothing here and now all the cordons are up.'
target: Sarah Fox, 27, was found dead at her home in Bootle on Thursday night .
  Her mother Bernadette, 57, was later found at sheltered accommodation .
  Police are appealing for help in tracing Bernadette's son Peter Fox, 26 .
  Merseyside police believe both women were known to alleged murderer .
  Bernadette and Sarah's family are 'absolutely devastated' at their loss .