Police unearth human remains thought to be those of missing nurse, 65, in woods – four weeks after her daughter, 38, was charged with murder following a fire at their family home

• Nurse Judy Fox, 65, has been missing since  a fire at her home on June 14
• Her daughter  Lucy Fox, 38,is charged with murder and arson with intent
• Police had been searching for Judy but until today had drawn a blank
• Now officers believe human remains they have found belong to Mrs Fox 

Human remains found by police are believed to be those of a missing nurse whose daughter has now been charged with her murder.

Officers had been searching for Judy Fox, 65, after there was no sign of her following a fire at her Georgian property in Apley Park, Shifnal, Shrops, on June 14.

Her daughter Lucy Fox, 38, was charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life even though her mother’s body had not been found.

Officers had been searching for Judy Fox, 65, after a fire at her Georgian home in Shropshire

But today (Fri) West Mercia Police revealed human remains had been discovered in the search for the missing mum.

The force said the remains were found near The Lloyds, a piece of ancient woodland close to the River Severn and the historic Ironbridge Gorge.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Bellamy said: ‘Today we have been carrying out searches near The Lloyds at Coalport as part of our investigation to find Judy Fox after concerns were raised for her welfare on Sunday 14 June.

‘As part of these searches we have found human remains.

‘Formal identification has not yet been carried out but we are keeping Judy’s family informed of this development and continue to support them at what must be a truly awful time.

‘Officers remain in the area and The Lloyds is closed between the junction for Legges Way and The Free Bridge.’

Judy’s daughter Lucy, 38, has been charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life

Lucy Fox, of Bridgnorth, Shrops., was remanded in custody at a previous hearing and will next appear at Stafford Crown Court in November.

Emergency services had been called to the blaze on where there were no reported injuries.

But enquries led to concern for the welfare of Mrs Fox, who worked as a staff nurse for local newspapers the Express & Star and Shropshire Star, based in Wolverhampton.

Former colleagues tribute to her, with Louise Sims, head of human resources at MNA Media, adding: ‘She was very caring.

‘She always saw the funny side of things.

The police cordon at Judy Fox’s home in Haughton Drive, Shifnal

‘She had to deal with some difficult situations being a company nurse but she always saw the funny side, she was a great character.

‘She always had time to talk and was always sympathetic and caring.’

The newspapers’ deputy editor Mark Drew said: ‘Judy was always a calming presence around the office.

‘She had an infectious smile and had time for everyone. She was one of those people everyone instantly warmed to.’

In a statement released at the time of her disappearance her family said: ‘Judy was a wonderful mother and a devoted grandmother.

‘Our hearts are breaking with sadness and the family would kindly request privacy at this time.’

Residents living on the street, where house prices average £280,000, reacted with shock to the tragedy at the time.

One local, who did not want to be named, said: ‘We were told she was missing and assumed dead but we didn’t have any idea he daughter was suspected.

‘She was a lovely lady, everybody is just shocked by what’s happened. It’s not that sort of area.’

Another resident added: ‘We saw all the emergency services but had no idea what was going on. It’s really sad and there’s been an eerie atmosphere every since.

‘Police have been questioning everybody in depth about what they know, but I didn’t know her that well.’

ENDS

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