Murder probe launched after body found on Queen's Sandringham estate

Police announced the grim twist to the investigation after human remains were found on New Year's Day.

Detective Chief Inspector Jes Fry said cops are examining cold cases nationwide for potential links.

Mr Fry said: "We are at the very early stages of the investigation and it could be a complex inquiry.

"The body had been there for some time.

"The circumstances suggest this is a murder case and we are looking at missing persons reports and cold cases both locally and nationwide."

The body was spotted by a member of the public out walking, just hours after the royals attended their traditional church service.

Police immediately sealed off an area of woodland.

The estate, near King's Lynn, Norfolk, covers a massive 20,500 acres.

The Queen, 85, was seen riding her horse there only yesterday. She was still in residence last night with Prince Philip, 90, who is recovering from his heart op.

The royals spent Christmas at Sandringham.

Police last night said: "Detectives from Norfolk Constabulary have launched an investigation following the discovery of human remains in an area of woodland at Anmer, near King's Lynn.

"The remains were found by a member of the public who reported the incident to police on Sunday January 1 shortly after 4pm.

"The area has been sealed off and a detailed search is currently being carried out."

Buckingham Palace said it had no comment to make as it was "a matter for Norfolk police".

Amir Khan fuming after defeat to Lamont Peterson

And his representitives have already launched formal procedures to question the performance of referee Joseph Cooper.

Khan was unhappy about Cooper's decision to dock him two points in the bout ? one each in the seventh and 12th rounds.

Judges George Hall and Valerie Dorsett scored the fight 113-112 in favour of Peterson but Nelson Vasquez had Khan winning 115-110.

A statement from Khan's camp said: "Team Khan and Golden Boy Promotions intends to make inquiries with the District of Columbia Boxing and Wrestling Commission, the IBF and the WBA regarding the performance of referee Joseph Cooper.

"We will also be seeking clarification regarding certain ambiguities with respect to the scores of the fight."

A rematch is already a virtual certainty al though hat was always a likelihood in the event of defeat for Khan.

The statement added: "We would like to congratulate Lamont Peterson on his performance against Amir Khan.

"Not only has he shown that he is a tremendous fighter inside the rin, but also a great man out of the ring.

"We look forward to an immediate rematch with Lamont as confirmed by Lamont and his manager/trainer Barry Hunter."

Khan had earlier blamed Cooper for his shock loss, insisting he was "against two people" in the ring.

Khan unsurprisingly disputed the calls ? which were decisive in the outcome of the bout.

AMIR KHAN complains of 'disgusting decision' over Lamont Peterson fight

And he insisted any pushing in the 12th round was prompted by Peterson's own foul play.

He said: "It was like I was against two people in there. He kept trying to pick me up. He was wild.

"He was coming in with his head lower and lower every time.

"I had to push him away because he was trying to come in with his head. He was just so low.

"He was being effective in pressurising me but I was the cleaner fighter all night.

"I am ready for a rematch. I am here and I will take it.

"I knew it would be tough against him in his home town and this is why boxing has not been in Washington DC for 20 years - because you get a decision like that.

"I thought he was going to head butt me and that is why I pushed him."

Khan's father Shah was also eager to query the officiating of the bout.

He said: "It was not the fight that cost him, it was the referee that cost him the fight. He's not angry at anyone but he's disappointed.

"He thought he'd get a fair crack at it in Washington, with home fans and home officials, but obviously he didn't.

"It's been 18 years since they had a big fight here in Washington and maybe it will be 18 years again."

Peterson was simply happy to finally have two belts around his waist.

The Washington-born fighter said: "I came into this fight as the underdog with most people giving me no chance of winning.

"But I followed my game plan. I knew this was a 12-round fight - not just three rounds - and I didn't get worried when I got knocked down inthe first round.

"I came back. He was holding my head and pushing me down. That's why the ref took the two points off.

"My body shots were working. I will definitely give him a rematch, why not?

"He gave me a shot at his titles in the first place so I will give him a rematch, no problem."

A superb opening round saw Peterson down twice.

First, the Englishman landed a right hand and glancing left hook which sent the American down only for referee Cooper to seemingly rule it a slip.

The count was administered moments later, however, as another combination culminating in a sharp left sent the American onto the floor in the same corner.

Peterson showed more in the second, holding ring centre but seeing Khan land the more eye-catching shots.

Khan survived a nightmare third round in which he took a right hand to the head and left to the body which left him on wobbly legs.

He had to run for much of the round as Peterson stalked him and repeatedly landed power shots to head and body, one of which nearly sent Khan tumbling.

Khan continued to try to box on the move but was being caught with solid shots to head and body.

A frantic seventh saw Khan rocked again as he had to hold on after being caught with rights and left hooks on the ropes.

Khan was then docked his first point of the fight at the round's conclusion for apparent pushing.

Early in the ninth Khan was caught badly again but rallied to launch a spirited attack of his own.

Khan then landed a left-right double which left Peterson out on his feet only to shake it off well.

Khan was very harshly docked another point for pushing in the final round as both men looked to snatch victory.

And after the fighters embraced at the final bell, it was Peterson who took the shock split decision.

Will Young knocks back drinks after The Voice axing

Will found out on Thursday that Danny O'Donoghue from The Script had been chosen for the BBC1 talent show ahead of him.

He wrote on Twitter: "The voice came, the voice went.

"Going out tonight with an appetite for destruction ? guns and roses?"

He did what all disappointed men do and headed to his local.

And it must have been a good night.

He tweeted yesterday: "Major hangover. Just need to get these legs to work."

A source said: "Will went to The Joiners Arms, near his flat in Hackney, east London, with a few mates.

"He seemed in a remarkably good mood and was definitely enjoying a few drinks.

"Will chatted to fans and posed for pictures.

"Then after a fair few drinks, he hit the dancefloor as Rihanna blared out."

Just as well the DJ didn't play anything by The Script.

Police hunt for lodger after two women found dead in Southport

Police investigating the murders of a woman and her 75-year-old mother are trying to trace the daughter's lodger.

The bodies of Angela Holgate, who was 54, and her mother, Alice Huyton, were found at Holgate's house in Southport at 5.45pm on Saturday. It is unclear how the women died, and police are awaiting the results of postmortem examinations.

Merseyside police said they were keen to trace Holgate's lodger, Barry Morrow.

It is thought the 51 year old, who is understood to be an engineer, is described as white, 5ft 7in, of medium to stocky build with straight, short brown receding hair and blue eyes.

It is thought he may be in France or Spain. Holgate's white Citroën is also missing.

A spokeswoman for Merseyside police said a postmortem examination "will continue throughout the night. However we can confirm that this in now a murder inquiry."

Chief Superintendent Nikki Holland, area commander for Sefton, said: "

"We are appealing to anyone with information that may help us with this investigation to come forward as soon as possible.

" In particular we are keen to trace Mr Morrow, who lived at the house for a period of time and who we believe may have vital information for this investigation."

Forensic experts are examining the scene, while officers are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and have stepped up high-visibility patrols.

Huyton was last seen on Friday evening when she left her home in Southport to visit her daughter, who had been ill recently and had not been seen out of the house for some time.