Man Charged with Murder After Human Remains Found in Letchworth
A 44-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Annette Smith following the grim discovery of human remains in Letchworth on Tuesday.
Remains Found at Storage Unit
Police found the remains while investigating the disappearance of 74-year-old Annette Smith from Fairfield, Stotfold. The remains were located at a storage unit in Letchworth. Formal identification is still pending, but Annette’s next of kin have been informed and are receiving support from specialist officers.
Suspect Arrested and Remanded
Scott Paterson, 44, with no fixed address, was arrested on the day the remains were discovered. He was charged with Annette’s murder today and has been remanded in custody. Paterson is set to appear at Luton Magistrates’ Court tomorrow.
Detective Inspector Katie Dounias of 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.”
Police Appeal for Information
Police are urging anyone with information or footage related to the case to come forward. You can submit info via the Major Incident Portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/35SA020124B02-PO1.
Alternatively, call 101 and ask for the Major Crime Unit, quoting Operation Broome.
To give information anonymously, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
