Dead woman found at her home in Leek 'not seen' for four days

A 41-YEAR-OLD woman found dead at her home had not been seen for four days.

Detectives are trying to piece together any sightings of Charlotte Smith in the days before the discovery of her body.

Police found Charlotte's body at her Leek home on Thursday morning after being called by concerned relatives.

Now it has emerged that Charlotte – who was known as Charlie – had not been seen since Monday morning.

Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk

myprint-247

View details

Print voucher

Our heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.

Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk

Contact: 01858 468192

Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013

Detailed forensic examinations of Charlotte's semi-detached Ladderedge property are expected to carry on throughout the weekend and a post-mortem examination was due to be held later today.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "We are looking to speak to anyone who might have seen the woman in the period between Monday morning and her body being discovered at around 11.30am on Thursday.

"The scene is expected to remain cordoned off over the weekend as investigations continue."

Officers believe the incident to be domestic-related although no details were released last night as to how Charlotte had died.

Charlotte had worked at AP Chemicals, in Station Road, Cheddleton, for the last 10 years, where she was employed as health, safety and environmental manager.

General manager Chris Beff said everyone at the company was in shock at news of Charlotte's death.

He said: "We're all just devastated at what has happened and our thoughts are with Charlie's family.

"She had been with the company for the last 10 years and was a very popular employee.

"She was a person who was always full of vigour and someone who everyone liked.

"We can't believe what has happened."

News of Charlotte's death has stunned neighbours.

It is understood her parents also live on the same road.

A 34-year-old neighbour said: "I went to work at 3am on Thursday and came back to find the house all taped off and police everywhere.

"I hadn't heard any noise from next door or anything like that to suggest something was wrong. Charlie only moved in around 15 months ago but she always seemed like a nice lady and I'd say hello whenever I saw her."

Another neighbour, who also asked not to remain anonymous, said: "I've been told by one of my neighbours that her body could have been in the house for a few days.

"We knew it had to be something serious when we saw the number of police cars turn up."

Up to 10 police vehicles remained outside the house yesterday.

Anyone who saw Charlotte between Monday morning and Thursday morning should call Staffordshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 229 of September 6, or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Devendra Singh, aged 32, of Ladderedge, Leek, was last night charged with murder. He was remanded in custody to appear at North Staffordshire Magistrates Court today.

To pay your respects to Charlotte, email tributes@thesentinel.co.uk.