A man has appeared in court charged with the murders of two elderly women who were found dead in their homes.
Andrew Simon Flood is accused of killing Margaret Biddolph, 78, and 88-year-old Annie Leyland, in Southport, Merseyside.
Post-mortem examinations confirmed both victims died of asphyxia.
In a brief hearing at South Sefton Magistrates' Court in Liverpool, Flood spoke only to confirm his name and address, before being remanded in custody.
The 43-year-old, from Southport, will appear at a bail hearing at crown court on February 28.
As he was led from the dock, he waved to members of his family who were in the public gallery.
Flood is also charged with robbery after an incident involving a 76-year-old woman in her home in Southport last Saturday.
Mrs Biddolph's body was discovered at her property on Tuesday. She is believed to have lived in the same street for 36 years.
Mrs Leyland was found dead at her home in a nearby street in the early hours of Wednesday.
Mrs Leyland's son Philip said: "Firstly, I am co-operating with the police to help them carry out their duty and I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward.
"Secondly, I ask to be left alone to grieve quietly and to come to terms with what has happened."
Alex Biddolph and Anne Pearson, the son and daughter of Mrs Biddolph, said: "We as a family would like to thank the members of the public who have assisted the police with their inquiries.
"We would also urge anyone with any information that could help the police with their investigation to get in touch.
"The media are asked to respect our privacy and not to approach us directly at this time to allow us to grieve over our loss."
A neighbour described Mrs Biddolph as a "quiet, lovely woman" whom she would often see tending her garden.
Marianne Lott, who lives opposite her home, said: "She was very jolly and independent.
"She was in her 80s but that didn't stop her getting taxis out and about to get groceries or do some shopping."
Mrs Lott said her neighbour had been a widow for 40 years and had three grown-up children.
A neighbour of Mrs Leyland said: "She was the sort of person who kept herself to herself."
Another neighbour said: "It's a bit of a shock. It's not something you expect."
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0800 230 0600 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 .
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