Detectives investigating the murder of Helen Bailey have today confirmed that her body was found in the grounds of her Royston home yesterday, along with her dog Boris.

Ms Bailey’s partner Ian Stewart, who had been living with her at their home in Baldock Road, has been charged with the 51-year-old’s murder, perverting the course of justice and preventing lawful burial of her body.

The 55-year-old, who is originally from Letchworth and had been living in Bassingbourn for more than 20 years before moving to Royston, appeared at Hatfield Remand Court today and is due before St Albans Crown Court on Monday.

Ms Bailey, an author, had been reported missing after last being seen in public with her miniature dachshund Boris on April 11.

Detective Chief Superintendent Paul Fullwood, who leads the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit, said: “We can now confirm it is Helen Bailey’s body which was located within the grounds of her home yesterday, along with the body of her dog Boris.

“The searches, which resulted in the discovery, have been painstaking and more work will need to take place in the coming days.

“Specialist officers are continuing to support Helen’s family at this extremely difficult time.”