Woman and man charged with murder after body 'lay hidden in London loft for eight months'

Pair also accused of preventing lawful burial of man found badly decomposed at London flat

Hartmoor Mews in Enfield (Google Street View)

A man and a woman have been charged with murder after a body was found in a north London loft, where it is alleged to have lain hidden for eight months.

Stacey Docharty, 28, and Gary Hopkins, 36, are also accused of perverting the course of justice and preventing a lawful and decent burial.

The victim, a man, has not been named but police believe they know his identity and his next-of-kin have been informed.

Officers found his body in the attic of a flat in Hartmoor Mews, Enfield, at 2pm on Monday.

He is alleged to have been murdered in December last year and his body is understood to be badly decomposed.

“It’s been like something out of CSI,” neighbour Marie Mauceri, 59, told the Evening Standard. “There have been loads of officers there. We are in total shock.”

A post-mortem examination is due to take place on Friday.

Ms Docharty appeared in the dock at the Old Bailey on Friday and was visibly distressed as she confirmed her details to the court.

Mr Hopkins will appear at the same court by video link on Monday.

Judge Anne Molyneux said the pair, both of Hartmoor Mews, would face a two- to three-week trial beginning on 25 February

Both were remanded in custody ahead of appear plea hearing on 23 November.