Murder charge after human remains found

A man has been charged with the murder of Annette Smith following the discovery of human remains in Letchworth on Tuesday (April 30).

Officers investigating the disappearance of the 74-year-old from Fairfield, Stotfold, discovered the remains at a storage unit in Letchworth.

Formal identification has not yet taken place, however Annette's next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. 

Scott Paterson, 44, of no fixed address, was arrested on Tuesday (April 30) by officers in connection with the investigation into Annette's disappearance and was today (Wednesday) charged with her murder. 

He has been remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Luton Magistrates' Court tomorrow (Thursday, May 2)

Detective Inspector Katie Dounias, from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: "This is clearly a distressing time for Annette's friends, family and all those from the tight close-knit community she was from.

"Our thoughts are with them at this time and we have specialist officers supporting her loved ones

"We are continuing to carry out extensive enquiries in relation to this complex investigation and we would urge anyone with information to come forward."

Anyone with information or footage that could help the police investigation can be submitted on the Major Incident Portal by visiting https://mipp.police.uk/operation/35SA020124B02-PO1

Alternatively, you can call 101 and ask to speak to the Major Crime Unit quoting Operation Broome.