Man charged with murder of woman found dead at house in Birmingham

A man has been charged with the murder of a 48-year-old woman who was found dead at a house in Birmingham.

West Midlands police said Anthony Hoey, 49, had been charged with the murder of Frances Dwyer, who was found at a property in Tile Cross, east Birmingham, just before 1pm on Saturday after concerns were raised for her welfare.

In a statement, her family – including her mother, two daughters and grandchildren – said: “My Fran you will be missed so much. We don’t know how we will get on without you.

“A much-loved daughter, mother, nan, sister, auntie, mother-in-law and friend. Heaven has gained the most beautiful Angel. You’re missed by all your family and friends. Forever and always we love you.”

DCI Laura Harrison, from the West Midlands police homicide team, said: “We’re working hard to establish exactly what has happened, and to provide answers for the woman’s family who are understandably devastated by her death.

“We believe the woman was known to the suspect and we are not currently looking for anyone else as part of the investigation.”

Hoey was arrested on Saturday evening and was due to appear at Birmingham magistrates court on Tuesday.

He is also charged with theft, aggravated vehicle taking and driving a motor vehicle taken without the owner’s consent.

Police said they were working to establish the cause of Dwyer’s death.

A West Midlands police spokesperson added: “Ms Dwyer’s family are being supported and kept updated. Our thoughts remain with them at this awful time.”