Mother appeals to son after his partner and baby killed

A YOUNG mother whose body was found next to that of her baby daughter died of multiple stab wounds, it was revealed last night.

Stephanie Bellinger, 24, and eight-month-old Lily were found dead at their home in Totton, near Southampton, Hampshire, by a relative on Saturday.

Miss Bellinger's partner Anthony Marsh, the father of her baby, has not been seen since and is suspected of murdering them both. The cause of death was revealed after a post-mortem examination was conducted on Miss Bellinger's body yesterday. One was to be carried out on her daughter today.

At a press conference yesterday, his mother yesterday made an emotional plea for Mr Marsh, 21 – thought to have a history of mental problems – to come forward.. Wendy Marsh struggled to speak and passed her statement to a family liaison officer as she collapsed in tears.

Detective Constable John Woodward addressed Mr Marsh on behalf of his mother, who was visibly trembling, saying: "Anthony, if you are watching or if you read or hear this please understand that all your family are very concerned about you.

"They are here to support you in any way they can. It is pointless to run away or hide.

"Whatever has happened, you must now hand yourself into the police or phone them and tell them where you are.

"Please, Anthony, for the sake of all the family."

Dressed in a black jacket, Mrs Marsh had to be helped out of the room by police officers after the brief statement was made.

The public has been warned not to approach "dangerous" Mr Marsh, who is thought to be armed.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Mathews said: "I would repeat that we consider Mr Marsh to be a dangerous man who should not be approached by the public. We have reason to believe that he may be in possession of a knife."

A police spokesman added that Miss Bellinger's family were distraught, saying: "They're absolutely torn apart."