A woman has appeared in court charged with the killing of Worcester pensioner Janet Mason.

It is the first time the victim has been officially named.

Jessica Crane, of Hillside Close, Worcester appeared before a deputy district judge in Kidderminster for a preliminary hearing.

She is charged with murdering 69-year-old Ms Mason, at an address in Green Lane, off Rainbow Hill on Tuesday (March 9).

Crane appeared before Kidderminster Magistrates Court this morning. She was softly spoken when she confirmed her name and address.

The 49-year-old defendant remains in custody and is now due to appear at a hearing at Worcester Crown Court tomorrow (Friday, March 12).

West Mercia Police were called to an address on Green Lane just after 10.40am on Tuesday - where Janet Mason was pronounced dead at the scene.

Relatives of Ms Mason are currently being supported by specialist police officers.