A 32-YEAR-OLD woman has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with the murder of 71-year-old Derek Taylor.

Deanha Leanne Neely, of no fixed address, was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court where she will appear on January 24.

Neely spoke only to confirm her name and date of birth during the hearing which lasted less than two minutes.

The charge alleges the murder took place between December 31 and January 18.

Mr Taylor's body was discovered at an industrial unit where he was living in a mobile home.

He is understood to have sustained extensive head injuries and to have been dead for a number of days.

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A second woman, aged 34, from Great Harwood who was also arrested on suspicion of murder has been released without charge.

At around 7pm last Wednesday police entered a premises on Cross Fold after responding to concerns for the welfare of a man.

Once inside the property the body of 71-year-old Derek Taylor, of Cross Fold, Blackburn was found by officers.

Paying tribute, Mr Taylor’s family, said: “We the family of Derek Taylor, known to many as Twirl, are devastated at the shocking news surrounding the death of a father and brother.

"He was a character both him and his coach. He had a big heart made of gold and will be greatly missed.”

A post mortem examination revealed Mr Taylor died from significant head injuries.