Nicola Stevenson death: Man charged after body found in wheelie bin Published duration 18 November 2019

image copyright Sussex Police image caption The body of Nicola Stevenson was found by a dog walker on Wednesday

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

Police have named the victim as 39-year-old Nicola Stevenson, from Lewes, although she has yet to be formally identified.

The body was discovered at a recreation ground off Landport Road in Lewes, East Sussex, by a dog walker last Wednesday.

Richard Canlin, 41, of no fixed address, appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court earlier.

His case has been referred to Lewes Crown Court, where he is due to appear on Tuesday.

Sussex Police said a 37-year-old man of no fixed address, arrested on suspicion of murder, had been released on bail until 12 December.

image copyright EDDIE MITCHELL image caption Flowers were left at the scene in Landport Road, Lewes

A post-mortem examination found Ms Stevenson died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head.

Sussex Police said search and forensic teams had finished their work at the recreation ground but searches would continue at Ms Stevenson's home in nearby Stansfield Road.

A spokesperson for the force urged anyone who saw Ms Stevenson in the days before her death to come forward.