A man charged with murder after human remains were found in a Letchworth storage unit appeared in court today (May 7).

Annette Smith, aged 74, went missing from her home in West Wing in Fairfield Hall, near Stotfold, in November last year.

Three weeks ago, police launched a murder investigation.

Officers discovered human remains in a Letchworth storage unit on April 30.

The Comet: Annette Smith has been missing since November.Annette Smith has been missing since November. (Image: Bedfordshire Constabulary)

The following day, Scott Paterson, 44, of no fixed address, was arrested and later charged with her murder.

He appeared at Luton Crown Court this morning (May 7) via video link, but the hearing was adjourned until June 28 because there were some documents not yet prepared.

Last week, Detective Inspector 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."

Information or footage that could help the police investigation can be submitted on the Major Incident Portal at orlo.uk/yprkq.

Alternatively, you can call 101 and ask to speak to the major crime unit, quoting Operation Broome.

If you wish to provide information anonymously, you can do so by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, or by visiting their website at orlo.uk/SQbbP.