POLICE were searching last night for a Briton whose wife and three

children were found dead in their rented suburban home in San Diego,

California.

Each of the bodies was found in a different bedroom of the large

house, a police spokesman said. He said the missing man was Mr Ian

Spiro, a 46-year-old businessman.

''This gentleman is not a suspect,'' he said, but added that ''we have

not been able to account for him.'' He feared Mr Spiro could also be a

victim.

It was believed at least one victim had a gunshot wound to the head.

They lived in Rancho Santa Fe, a neighborhood of $1m houses.

Police said the family had previously lived in England, France, and

possibly Canada.