Two due in court charged with murder of 45-year-old Mark Hopes in Rhondda

Two people have been charged with murder, one for perverting the course of justice

Mark Hopes was found dead at the weekend (PA)

A woman and her son have been charged with murdering her 45-year-old husband.

Maria Louise Hopes, 45, was arrested at the weekend following the death of Mark Hopes at their home in the South Wales Valleys.

Also detained was her son and Mr Hopes's stepchild, Leon Port, and his girlfriend Michelle Donovan.

Police said Mrs Hopes and her 23-year-old son have been charged with murder while Donovan, 23, has been charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice.

Officers were called to Brithweunydd Road, Trealaw, at around 7.20am on Saturday after Mr Hopes was found unconscious.

Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley said: "Incidents such as this in a close knit community in South Wales are extremely rare and I understand that people will have been shocked by it.

"I hope that the prompt arrests and charges, and the thorough investigation that continues, reassures the community, I would also like to thank the public for their support so far."

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact South Wales Police via 01656 655555 or 101. People can also contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111 quoting the number 1500365324.