A man has appeared in court charged with murder after human remains were discovered in a storage unit in Letchworth.

Annette Smith, 74, from West Wing, Fairfield Hall, near Stotfold, was last sighted back in November, after it is understood, the pensioner had been carrying a suitcase as she got into a navy blue car, or black estate with another woman.

Scott Paterson, 44, from Hardy Way, also Fairfield Park, has appeared before magistrates in Luton today, Thursday (May 2).

Annette Smith, last sighted back in November, 2023 believed to be carrying a suitcase and getting into a car with a woman

Officers from Bedfordshire Police have been following a number of lines of enquiry, including carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the Stotfold area, as well as handing out leaflets to encourage anyone with information to get in touch.

Officers have confirmed Ms Smith's next of kin have been informed.

Formal identification had not taken place on the remains, found in a storage unit in Letchworth, understood to be situated on Works Road near the town centre.

Paterson was remanded in custody, to appear at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday, May 7.

Police call for witnesses and information

Police have been urging anyone who had contact with Annette Smith to come forward as officers continue to investigate the case.

Detective Chief Inspector Katie Dounias, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "We are working really hard to find out what happened to Annette and get answers for her friends and family.

"We would once again urge anyone who had seen Annette prior to her disappearance to come forward and speak with us.

"Any information, no matter how small it may seem, could be vital.

"If anyone in the West Wing area has any CCTV, doorbell footage or dashcam footage from November please let us know."

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