Man and woman charged in West Bromwich canal murder investigation
Two people have been charged as part of a murder investigation following the discovery of a body in a canal in West Bromwich.
John Anslow and Hayley-Marie Ferguson have both been charged after being arrested on Wednesday, a day after the body was discovered in a canal near Ryders Green Road.
Anslow, 64, of West Bromwich, has been charged with murder and preventing a lawful and decent burial, while Ferguson, 41, also of West Bromwich, has been charged with assisting an offender and preventing a lawful and decent burial.
Both were scheduled to appear at Worcester Magistrates Court on Thursday morning, while another man, in his 20s, was released with no further action.
West Midlands Police also confirmed that it had identified the woman, with specialist officers supporting her family, and said the investigation was continuing.
A spokesman for West Midlands Police said: "Two people have been charged as part of a murder investigation in West Bromwich.
"A woman's body was found in water near Ryders Green Road on Tuesday (7 October), and three people were arrested in connection with her death.
"John Anslow, 64, has now been charged with murder and preventing a lawful and decent burial.
"Hayley-Marie Ferguson, 41, has been charged with assisting an offender and preventing a lawful and decent burial.
"The pair, both from West Bromwich, are due before Worcester Magistrates this morning.
"The third person arrested, a man in his 20s, has been released with no further action.
"We believe we have now identified the woman, and specialist officers are supporting her family at this incredibly difficult time.
"Our investigation is continuing, and anyone with information should contact us on 101 quoting log 1587 of 7 October.
"You can also stay anonymous by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
