A son has admitted to stabbing his parents to death.

William Warrington, 40, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his father Clive, 67, and mother Valerie, 73, by reason of diminished responsibility.

Warrington’s parents, who were divorced, were found at two separate addresses in Gloucestershire on the morning of March 2 this year.

Mr Warrington was found dead at a property in Sherborne Place, Cheltenham, after reports of a serious assault at around 6.25am.

A short while later, his ex-wife was found at an address in the village of Bourton-on-the-Water, about 15 miles from Cheltenham.

READ MORE: Divorced couple named as double murder victims

Cotswold Journal: Court artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of William Warrington. Credit: PACourt artist sketch by Elizabeth Cook of William Warrington. Credit: PA (Image: PA)

Double murder: Pictures from the scene

Warrington, from St George’s Street, Cheltenham had denied charges of murder but admitted killing his parents during a hearing at Bristol Crown Court.

Anna Vigars KC, prosecuting, told High Court judge Mrs Justice Eady the pleas were acceptable to the Crown.

Since the killing Warrington, of St George’s Street, Cheltenham has been detained at Broadmoor Hospital, a high-security psychiatric facility.

'Our community is poorer for her loss': Councillor's tribute to murdered resident

Days after Mrs Warrington was found, Gloucestershire county councillor Paul Hodgkinson paid tribute to the Bourton resident.

Councillor Hodgkinson said that Ms Warrington was a prominent member of the local community and will be sorely missed.

“I'm stunned and saddened to hear of the death of Valerie Warrington who will have been known to many in Bourton-on-the-Water and Cold Aston,” he said.

“Val was a kind person and a keen advocate of better road safety along the A429. I had many dealings with her in the last 6 years.

“She was supportive of me as a councillor, even putting up a poster up for me at elections as a show of support.

“My thoughts are with Val’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time and our community is poorer for her loss.

“I hope people will remember her for what she gave to our community rather than the manner of her passing.”

READ MORE: Family 'devastated' by loss of parents in suspected double murder

A statement from the victims' family read: "We are devastated by the sudden and tragic loss of our parents.

"We thank everyone for their messages of love and support, which are of great comfort to us.

"We would like to request privacy at this time so that we can come to terms with what has happened and grieve in peace with the rest of the family."

Cotswold Journal: Clive and Valerie Warrington. Credit: PAClive and Valerie Warrington. Credit: PA (Image: Credit: PA)