A BOY has been charged with the murder of Lindsay Birbeck.

The 16-year-old from Accrington, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is due to appear before Blackburn Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Police said Ms Birkbeck's family have been told of this latest development.

Ms Birbeck, 47, a teaching assistant and mum-of-two, went missing from home on August 12 and a murder inquiry was launched after her body was found in Accrington Cemetery last Saturday.

A post mortem examination showed she died as a result of compression of the neck.

A police spokesman said: "Following consultation with the crown prosecution service detectives have today charged a teenage boy with the murder of Lindsay Birbeck.

"Our thoughts remain with Lindsay's family and friends."