Man charged with Stroud woman's murder after body found in flat

A man has been charged with murder after the body of a woman was found in a flat.

The victim, 40-year-old Emma Potter, was found dead by officers at her home in Chapel Street, Stroud, on 4 November after neighbours raised concerns.

Joe Rankin, 33, of Langtoft Road, Stroud, is accused of her murder and appeared before Cheltenham magistrates.

Mr Rankin was remanded in custody and is due before Bristol Crown Court on Wednesday.

At the four-minute hearing before District Judge Nicholas Wattam, he spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

Ms Potter's body is believed to have been undiscovered for some time.

Her death was initially being treated as unexplained, but the results of a post-mortem examination led to a murder investigation being opened by Gloucestershire Police.

The Major Crime Investigation Team said it was keen to hear from anyone with relevant information which could assist.

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