Virginia McCullough has been charged with the murders of Lois and John McCullough between August 2018 and September 2023.

She appeared by prison video link before Basildon Crown Court - and was not asked to enter a plea to the two murder charges.

Wearing a grey prison-issue tracksuit, the 35-year-old only spoke to confirm her identity from a booth at HMP Peterborough.

No application for bail was made - and Judge Samantha Leigh remanded her into custody until a plea hearing on 1 December.

A provisional trial date at Chelmsford Crown Court has been set for 13 May, with an estimate it will take two weeks.

Essex Police said it received reports of concern for the wellbeing of two people aged in their 70s on 13 September.

Officers later found human remains at an address in Chelmsford.

Read more UK news:
BBC to launch Russell Brand review
New inflation forecast is released

On Monday, Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby said an "incredibly complex investigation" was under way, led by specialist officers.

He added: "I would continue to urge against speculation as these inquiries continue. A family is grieving the loss of two relatives and officers are supporting them."

In a statement, Mr and Mrs McCullough's family said they were "deeply shocked" by their deaths, and asked for privacy.