DETECTIVES have been given a further 36 hours to question a 16-year-old boy accused of murdering mum-of-two Lindsay Birbeck.

The teenager, from Accrington, was arrested on Tuesday evening and the custody time limit was due to expire this morning, but police have now been granted more time to talk to him.

His arrest came after the body of Ms Birbeck, a 47-year-old high level teaching assistant, was discovered in Accrington Cemetery on Saturday.

The teenager was arrested just hours after CCTV footage of a suspect pulling a wheelie bin was released by police.

There has been a high police presence in and around the cemetery this morning and there are now two forensic tents erected towards the back of the graveyard.

Detective Superintendent Andy Cribbin, who is leading the investigation, thanked the public for an ‘overwhelming’ response.

He said: “While we have made an arrest our enquiries are continuing and I would continue to appeal for anyone with information to come forward, however I would urge people not to speculate and to be mindful of the comments they make, especially on social media, as this causes distress to the family and could impact our investigation.”

Ms Birbeck was last seen wearing a purple Rab bubble jacket, black leggings, a white shirt with blue pin stripes and black trainers with a white sole.

Police urge anyone with information to submit it through their major crime web portal.

Alternatively call police on 101 quoting log number 0824 of August 26 or independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.