A MOTHER found dead following an axe attack at her Banbury home died of multiple head injuries, police said.

The bodies of Sally Cox, 43, and her 22-year-old son Martin Faulkner were discovered by police in Mold Crescent, Bretch Hill, on Monday.

A 45-year-old man arrested four hours later in Swindon was still in custody last night suspected of the double murder.

He is believed to be her former partner.

Police spokesman Victoria Brandon said a post mortem examination had taken place on the body of Mrs Cox.

She said: “The results concluded she died from multiple head injuries consistent with a heavy bladed instrument.”

A post mortem examination on Mr Faulkner was due to take place yesterday followed by formal identifications.

Mrs Cox’s 19-year-old daughter suffered serious injuries to her head and neck in the incident and was in a serious but stable condition at the John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, last night. Police believe her injuries happened as she fled the house.

Mrs Cox’s other daughter, aged 13, escaped unharmed.