Man charged with murder after woman found dead in derelict Victorian hospital near Norwich

Post-mortem records stab wounds as cause of Gemma Cowey's death

Undated family handout issued by Norfolk Police of Gemma Cowey, also known as Gemma Marjoram, a mother-of-three who was found stabbed to death at a derelict former Victorian mental health hospital. (Norfolk Police/PA Wire)

A man has been charged with the murder of a woman who was stabbed to death in a derelict building near Norwich on Friday.

Police were called to the site of a Victorian former mental health hospital at Thorpe St Andrew on Friday afternoon after reports that a woman had been discovered with serious injuries.

Despite receiving treatment from the emergency services, the victim, identified as Gemma Cowey, 38, a mother-of-three from Norwich, died at the scene.

A post-mortem found that stab wounds caused her death.

In a statement released through Norfolk Police, the family of Ms Cowey, also known as Gemma Marjoram, said: "Our beautiful girl, Gemma Lynne Marjoram, was cruelly taken from our lives on Friday June 19.

"Gemma, a devoted mummy to three children, Kacie, Callum and Abigail.

"Loving big sister to Joanne and Kimberley. We are beyond heartbroken. We have no more words."

The force said that Michael Cowey, 48, of Dragoon Close in Norwich, has been charged with her murder and has been remanded in custody.

He is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, three days after he was arrested in Warwickshire.

Detective Inspector Lewis Craske, from the Norfolk and Suffolk major investigation team, said: "Our thoughts are with Gemma's family and friends at this time.

"Officers have established that Gemma and the suspect were known to each other and whilst we do believe this is an isolated incident, our investigations are ongoing to identify the exact circumstances leading up to her death.

"I am keen to hear from anyone who was in the area of the old hospital in Thorpe St Andrew between 11am and 1pm on Friday June 19, particularly anyone who may have seen a male and female walking near to the site,” he added.

Anyone with information should contact the Norfolk and Suffolk major investigation team on 101.

Additional reporting from the Press Association