The woman accused of murdering 26-year-old Nicola Collingbourne in Letchworth has been remanded in custody following an appearance at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday, and is now due to enter a plea on August 12.

Yvonne Caylor, 52, from Grove Road in Hitchin, was arrested on suspicion of murder last Thursday, two days after Nicola’s body was found in her home at Ivel Court on the Jackmans estate.

She was charged with the crime on Saturday and appeared at Hatfield Remand Court on Monday.

Officers involved in what is being handled as a murder investigation are also looking to trace a heavy-set person wearing a high-vis jacket reportedly seen twice in the area on the day before Nicola’s death.

Det Insp Fraser Wylie from the Beds, Cambs and Herts major crime unit, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would continue to appeal to anyone who may have any information to please contact me.

“I am particularly keen to hear from anyone who remembers seeing a person of large build wearing a high-vis jacket in the vicinity of Ivel Court, Hadleigh and Hamonte, Letchworth at around 8am and again at 12.30pm on the Monday.

“The area would have been busy around these times so I believe a number of people may have seen this person. If so, please get in touch.

“Our thoughts are with the victim’s family at this difficult time and they are being supported by specially trained officers.”

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101.

Alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or use their anonymous online form at crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information cannot be traced or recorded and you will not need to go to court.