Man charged after human remains found, says Bedfordshire Police

Annette Smith, 74, was last seen in November 2023

A man has been charged with the murder of a woman, 74, after police found human remains in a storage unit.

Bedfordshire Police said Annette Smith, from West Wing, Fairfield Hall, near Stotfold, was last seen in November.

Formal identification has not taken place, however, Ms Smith's next of kin have been informed.

Scott Paterson, 44, of no fixed address, was arrested on suspicion of murder and was taken into police custody for questioning.

Mr Paterson has been remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Luton and South Bedfordshire Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Det Insp Katie Dounias 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 inquiries in relation to this complex investigation and we would urge anyone with information to come forward."

Got a story? Email [e-mail] or WhatsApp [phone]