DETECTIVES have charged a man and woman with the murder of Bradford man Stephen Kershaw.

Ian Mitchell, 34, and Sarah Pearson, 22, Shetcliffe Lane, East Bierley, will make their first appearance in court tomorrow (Friday) in relation to murder and fraud charges.

Mr Kershaw, aged 65, was reported missing last Tuesday and his body was found in a property on Shetcliffe Lane on the night of Friday, September 16.

Mitchell and Pearson have been remanded in custody ahead of their appearance at Bradford and Keighley Magistrates' Court.

The investigation remains ongoing by the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team.

A police presence had been at the scene for six days, only standing down yesterday, following the discovery of Kershaw's body.

Earlier this week, residents and local councillors spoke out over their concerns about the investigation in their community.

Cllr Ralph Berry (Lab, Wibsey) said: "We were contacted by police because the person was a Wibsey resident. It's very sad. Our thoughts will be with the family of the deceased person."

Cllr Matt Edwards (Green, Tong) added: “I know people will be very concerned to see such a significant presence outside their homes on one of the main roads for the area.

“This is a very difficult time for the family and friends of Mr Kershaw and I think we really need to let the police do their job and avoid speculating about what has happened until we get more details.”

On Tuesday, forensic officers in protective suits were seen entering and leaving a house on Shetcliffe Lane on a number of occasions with various items.

One resident said: "It's not good and the scene in place now is nowhere near to what it's been like (over the past couple of days)."

Residents have said that this is out of the ordinary and the scene was ‘unexpected’.

Another one added: “There’s been a police car here, every night since Friday.”

On Thursday afternoon, a police spokesperson said: "Detectives investigating the death of Stephen Kershaw in Bradford have charged two people with his murder. 

"Stephen Kershaw was reported missing on September 13, his body was found in a property on Shetcliffe Lane on Friday night. 

"Ian Mitchell, 34, and Sarah Pearson, 22, both of Shetcliffe Lane, have been charged with his murder and fraud and have been remanded into custody.

"Both will appear at Bradford Magistrates Court on Friday, September 23. 

"The investigation remains ongoing by the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team."