Michelle Crossley, 39, was found dead at her farmhouse in Cornwall.

Her pet fox and Alsatian were discovered wandering free in the house in Laity, near Helston, on November 4.

Adam Edward Jinks, 21, who was born in Halifax, has appeared in court with stepdad Gary Chadwick, 42 – both of whom now live in Redruth – accused of killing her. Both men are thought to be former residents of Bankfield Avenue, Mytholmroyd.

A post mortem found Mrs Crossley had suffered "significant injuries" to her head and torso.

She is believed to have been dead for several hours when her body was discovered.

Police had trouble investigating the scene because the fox and dog had been left to roam.

Detectives are still looking for a knife and blunt weapon they believe were used in the attack.

Householders nearby were asked to check their gardens after landline and mobile phones were found missing. Mrs Crossley was last heard from in a phone call at 5.30pm on the Saturday.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 08452 777444.