Man charged with murder after woman missing for 11 days found dead in house

Mark Nicholls will appear in court accused of killing Emily Sanderson

Emily Sanderson was found dead in a property in Crofton Avenue (PA)

A man has been charged with the murder of a woman who was missing for 11 days in Sheffield.

The body of Emily Sanderson was found at an address in the Hillsborough area of the city.

The missing 48-year-old had not been heard from since 19 May and was found dead last Tuesday, South Yorkshire Police said.

Mark Nicholls, 43, was arrested on Friday and charged with murder on Saturday.

The force said on Sunday: “Nicholls, of Crofton Avenue, has been remanded in custody and will appear before court tomorrow.

“Emily’s body was discovered inside a property on Crofton Avenue at around midday on Tuesday 30 May. A forensic post-mortem examination determined she died of head injuries.

“A 40-year-old woman, arrested on Wednesday 31 May on suspicion of assisting offenders, remains on police bail.”

Detective Chief Inspector Andrea Bowell said on Friday that Ms Sanderson was reported missing on 25 May after she had not been seen or heard from since 19 May.

The force has made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) as inquiries continue in Crofton Avenue, where a cordon remained in place on Friday, guarded by officers.

Ms Bowell said: “The property at Crofton Avenue, where Emily’s body was found, has undergone painstaking and extensive forensic examination.

“This is necessary to gather as much evidence as possible to help us understand exactly what happened.

“Emily was reported missing to police on Thursday May 25, after she had not been seen or heard from since the previous Friday.

“Emily’s family and friends are understandably devastated by her death.

“I’d reiterate her family’s desire for privacy as they grieve their tragic loss.”

Nicholls will appear at Sheffield Magistrates’ Court on Monday.