A SCHOOLGIRL has appeared in court charged with murder and arson after a mum-of-three died in a house fire.
The 13-year-old was charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life following the discovery of a body in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.
ITV News AngliaCops have charged a schoolgirl with murder following a house fire in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire[/caption]
ITV News AngliaShe appeared in court today[/caption]
The teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared before Northampton Magistrates Court today.
She was then remanded by magistrates.
Cops arrested the girl on Monday following the discovery of a body in a house in Newcomen Road in Wellingborough, shortly after 3am that morning.
The body of a woman, believed to be 43-year-old Marta Bednarczyk, was found in the property.
A post-mortem examination at Leicester Royal Infirmary found she died as a result of a “sharp force injury”, Northamptonshire Police said.
Firefighters had also attended the address after reports came in of a fire at the property.
Cops have asked people to avoid the immediate area.
A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: “A 13-year-old girl has been charged with the murder of a woman in Wellingborough.
“The child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is also charged with arson with intent to endanger life.
“She was arrested on Monday following the discovery of a body in a house in Newcomen Road, shortly after 3am that morning.
“Formal identification has yet to be confirmed but she is believed to be 43-year-old mother-of-three Marta Bednarczyk.
“A forensic post-mortem investigation, which took place at Leicester Royal Infirmary, gave the preliminary cause of death as being a result of sharp force injury.
“Police and firefighters had attended the address after reports came in of a fire at the property. Inside, police officers found Marta’s body and paramedics sadly declared her dead at the scene at 3.29am.”
Detective Chief Insp Johnny Campbell said yesterday: “This evening we have formally charged a 13-year-old Wellingborough girl with murder, and arson, and she will appear before Northampton Magistrates Court at 10am tomorrow.
“I want to take a moment to thank the many police officers and staff who are working and continue to work tirelessly on this investigation since the very tragic events of early yesterday morning.
“And, in particular, all our thoughts are with Marta’s family who have been fully co-operative throughout what has been a devastating couple of days for them.
“Given the developments this evening, we will be making no further comment at this time.”
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