A 13-year-old girl has been charged with murder after a woman’s body was found at a house in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.
The child, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is also charged with arson with an attempt to endanger life.
Formal identification has yet to be confirmed, but the woman who died is believed to be 43-year-old mother-of-three Marta Bednarczyk, Northamptonshire Police said.
A forensic post-mortem investigation gave the preliminary cause of death as being a result of sharp force injury.
Police and firefighters had attended the address in Newcomen Road after reports came in of a fire at the property.
Inside, officers found Ms Bednarczyk’s body and paramedics declared her dead at the scene shortly after 3am on Monday.
Police are asking people to avoid the immediate area.
The 13-year-old girl is due to appear at Northampton Magistrates’ Court at 10am on Wednesday.
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Detective Chief Inspector Johnny Campbell said: “This evening we have formally charged a 13-year-old Wellingborough girl with murder, and arson, and she will appear before Northampton Magistrates Court at 10am tomorrow.
“I want to take a moment to thank the many police officers and staff who are working and continue to work tirelessly on this investigation since the very tragic events of early yesterday morning.
“And, in particular, all our thoughts are with Marta’s family who have been fully co-operative throughout what has been a devastating couple of days for them.”
