A second Chester woman has been charged with the murder of Lancashire businesswoman Sadie Hartley.

Katrina Walsh, 55, of Hare Lane, Guilden Sutton , is due to appear before Blackburn Magistrates Court later this morning (Thursday, January 21) charged with the murder of the 60-year-old who was found with fatal stab wounds in the hallway of her home in Helmshore, Lancashire last Friday (January 15).

Officers have spent the last few days questioning Walsh, and yesterday also charged Sarah Williams, 34, of Treborth Road, Blacon , with the murder of mum-of-three Ms Hartley.

She appeared at Blackburn Magistrates Court yesterday (January 20), covering her head with a cardigan as she was led in handcuffs into the building.

Forensic searched a house in Chester earlier this week following the murder of 60 year-old Sadie Hartley in Lancashire
Forensic searched a house in Chester earlier this week

Williams has been remanded in police custody and will appear at Preston Crown Court tomorrow (Friday, January 22) for a preliminary hearing.

Today, a statement from Lancashire Police said: "Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service a second woman has today been charged with the murder of Sadie Hartley in Helmshore.

"Katrina Walsh, 55, of Hare Lane, Chester, will appear before Blackburn Magistrates' Court later this morning (Thursday) charged with murder."