A man has been charged with murdering a 47-year-old woman in Wells in Somerset.

Sarah Ashwell was found at her home in South Street on 7 November and now Antanas Jankauskas, 38, of Wookey, has been charged over her death.

He will appear at Taunton Magistrates’ Court on Saturday, Avon and Somerset Police said.

Three other men who were also arrested on suspicion of murder alongside Jankauskas have been released under investigation – but one has been recalled to prison over other matters.

A fifth man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has also been released under investigation.

“This is a large-scale investigation involving over 100 officers and staff from across our service,” said Detective Superintendent Gary Haskins.

“The picture we have built up is of a mother, daughter and friend who was well-known and well-loved and whose loss is deeply felt. Our thoughts are with her loved ones.

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“We’re grateful for the support of the community in coming forward with information, but it’s important to say that our work to get justice for Sarah and answers for her family is far from over.

“I’d ask people to continue to support our investigation in any way they can.

“We would however ask the public not to speculate on this case on social media as this could risk prejudicing the legal process now under way.”

Ms Ashwell’s family said they are “absolutely devastated” by her death.

“Sarah had so much of her life still to live. It is unbearable for us to think that this has been taken away from her and that she has been taken away from us,” they said in a statement.

“We are incredibly touched by the many kind and loving tributes that have been posted on social media by friends and loved ones in the last few days.

“It is a comfort for us to be reminded how well loved she was and that so many people had such affection for her.”

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