A NORTH-EAST businessman has pleaded not guilty to the murder of his mother and father.

Stephen Seddon, 46, is accused of the double killing of Robert and Patricia Seddon at their home on July 4.

Police were called to the house on Clough Avenue, Sale, Greater Manchester, at about 4.35pm on July 6, following reports of concern for welfare of the occupants.

A Home Office post-mortem examination revealed both Mr Seddon, 68, and his wife, aged 65, died from gunshot wounds.

Mr Seddon, of Benevente Street, Seaham , County Durham, appeared at Manchester Crown Court today by videolink.

He pleaded not guilty to two counts of attempted murder, also against his mother and father on March 20.

The charges arises out of an incident in which the family car plunged into a canal in Timperley, near Sale.

Seddon spoke only to confirm his name and enter his not guilty pleas.

Honorary Recorder of Manchester Judge Andrew Gilbart QC remanded the defendant into custody to appear for a further directions hearing at the same court on November 2.

A 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder and a 55-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman held on suspicion of perverting the course of justice are on police bail until October 18.