A woman has been charged with murder and grievous bodily harm after a pensioner died in Cradley.

Laura Van Marle, aged 40, of no fixed address, was today (Sunday 27 September) charged with the murder of 69-year-old Susanna Van Marle.

She was also charged with causing grievous bodily harm to a 73-year-old man.

Both charges relate to an incident which occurred yesterday (Saturday, September 26) at approximately 2am at an address in Finchers Corner in Cradley.

Detective chief inspector Leighton Harding said: “Our thoughts are with Susanna’s friends and loved ones following this sad incident.

"The family are being supported by specially trained officers and have asked for privacy during this difficult time.”

Police were called at around 2am on Saturday to reports a 69-year-old woman had been stabbed.

The ambulance service attended but the woman was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

DCI Harding said originally: “Officers quickly made an arrest at the scene, but enquiries are still ongoing and we are keen to speak to anyone with more information regarding this incident.

“We would like to reassure the community that this is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no further risk to the public.”