Photo released of mother murdered by son

Published on Friday 24 July 2009 22:10

POLICE yesterday released a photograph of a pensioner believed to be have been murdered by her son.

Valerie Rockall, 80, was found dead along with her son, Brian, 44, in their flat in Edinburgh's Dean Village on Monday night.

It is thought Mr Rockall beat his mother to death before hanging himself.

Last night a Lothian and Borders Police spokesman appealed for information about the pair.

He said: "Mrs Rockall and her son were last seen at their home on 6 July, and we remain keen to speak to anyone who may have seen them or had contact with them after that date.

"We also remain keen to speak to anyone else who has information about them."

The mother and son are believed to have moved to Edinburgh in 1994 from Essex, where Mr Rockall was born.

There have been reports the murder may have been triggered by an argument about money, as Mr Rockall, who described himself as a professional gambler, had about 10,000 of debts.