Son charged with murder of his mother

A man has appeared in court charged with the murder of his mother, police said.

Catherine McDonald, 57, was discovered dead at a house in Hilly Park, Norton Fitzwarren in Somerset, on Tuesday.

Police said a post-mortem examination confirmed her cause of death as stabbing and asphyxiation.

Alex McDonald, 27, of Hilly Park, Norton Fitzwarren, was arrested on suspicion of her murder on Wednesday.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police said McDonald had been charged with murder overnight.

'Overnight, Alex McDonald of Hilly Park, Norton Fitzwarren, was charged with the murder of his mother, Catherine McDonald, aged 57, on Tuesday September 30,' the force spokesman said.

'He appeared at Taunton Deane Magistrates Court, where he was remanded in custody to appear at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday.'

Speaking after the death, Mrs McDonald's parents described her as a 'dear daughter' and said she would be greatly missed.

'News has just been brought to us about the death of our daughter Catherine McDonald,' they said.

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