Girl, 13, in court over murder and arson charges

A 13-year-old girl accused of murdering a woman and starting a house fire has appeared in court.

Mother-of-three Marta Bednarczyk was found dead at a house in Newcomen Road in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, on 10 March.

The teenager, who cannot be named due to her age, is charged with the 43-year-old's murder and committing arson with intent to endanger life.

She appeared for a 10-minute plea hearing at Northampton Crown Court, but did not enter pleas.

The defendant was remanded in youth detention accommodation.

She will plead at a later date and Judge Adrienne Lucking KC said a provisional trial date had been fixed for November to be heard before a High Court judge.

Police believe Ms Bednarczyk died as a result of sharp force injuries.

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