Son, 27, is accused of trying to stab his parents to death at their £700,000 family home

A son has appeared in court accused of trying to murder both his parents at their leafy parkside home.

James O’Connor has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after Richard and Wendy O’Connor were stabbed at the £700,000 detached property, which backs on to Nottingham’s Wollaton Park.

The 27-year-old, who lived with his parents, has been remanded in custody following the incident on Thursday evening.

South African-born Mr O’Connor, 69, is a professional squash coach and director of an accountancy firm.

His wife Wendy, 58, is a partner at a chartered accounts specialising in tax, and is also a keen squash player herself.

Both remained in hospital last night, where they were being treated for stab wounds.

O’Connor appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Saturday and is due to appear at a hearing at Nottingham Crown Court next month.

His father is a coach at Nottingham Squash Rackets Club and was previously a coach for the national governing body England Squash, having achieved a world ranking of 30 when he was a player.

Neighbours told of their shock yesterday. One said: ‘Richard and Wendy are a lovely couple who have lived here for many years, although I hadn’t seen their son in a while. I believe he still lives there because his car is usually there.

‘I can’t imagine what would have sparked this. There was never any suggestion from Richard and Wendy that anything was wrong.’

Referring to the night of the stabbings, they added: ‘I just looked out and the street was full of police vehicles and blue lights.

‘The house was cordoned off for two or three days after that. Richard was apparently a super squash player in his day. You really wouldn’t have expected something like this to happen to this family, or on this road. It is unheard of around here.’

Another neighbour added: ‘I last saw Richard and Wendy around a month ago, and before that just before Christmas when one of the other neighbours held a little drinks party in their driveway. They are just really friendly, nice people. It’s horrendous this has happened to them.

‘I hope they are OK physically, but mentally after something like this… who knows?’

Chief Inspector Ash Thornton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said ‘officers have worked quickly and efficiently to locate a suspect’.

He added: ‘We believe this was an isolated incident within a home with no wider risk to the public.

‘Residents can expect a police presence in the area while investigations take place, and if anyone has any concerns I’d urge them to speak to an officer.’