Police were alerted to concerns for the welfare of two people aged in their 70s on Wednesday.

Essex Police said it is "our strong belief based on all the evidence available that the two people in question are no longer alive".

Virginia McCullough, from Pump Hill, Chelmsford, has now been charged with two counts of murder.

She is due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby said: "Although we have received authorisation to charge Virginia McCullough, this complex and in-depth investigation will be continuing at pace throughout the coming weeks and months.

"I would also reiterate that our continued belief is that this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider Chelmsford or Essex public.

"Our thoughts today are with the families of everyone involved and I can assure them, all avenues of enquiry will be pursued extensively to piece together the circumstances around this matter."