A woman from Blacon has appeared in court charged with the murder of 60-year-old businesswoman Sadie Hartley.

Sarah Williams, 34, of Treborth Road is charged with the murder of the mum-of-three, who was found stabbed to death in a 'frenzied attack' at her home in Helmshore, Lancashire, on Friday (January 17).

Flanked by guards at Blackburn Magistrates Court this morning (Wednesday, January 20), Williams was said to have stood with her head bowed throughout the short hearing where she spoke only to confirm her name, address and date of birth.

Forensic teams have been searching a house in Chester following the murder of 60 year-old Sadie Hartley in Lancashire
Forensic teams have been searching a house in Chester following the murder of 60 year-old Sadie Hartley in Lancashire

Earlier, she had covered her face with a cream cardigan as she was led in handcuffs from the prison van into the court building.

She has been remanded in custody and will appear at Preston Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on Friday (January 22).

A second suspect, a 55-year-old woman who was arrested at an address in Chester on Monday, is still being questioned by police.

Yesterday, officers were pictured lifting floorboards and taking away evidence from a property in Leasowe, Wirral.