Boy, 16, charged with murder of teaching assistant found in cemetery
A teenager has been charged with the murder of teaching assistant Lindsay Birbeck.
The body of mother-of-two, 47, was found by a member of the public at around 8pm on Sunday August 25 in Accrington Cemetery, Lancashire.
Hundreds of members of the public had gone out looking for the mother after she went missing from her home in the village on August 12.
But she was later found at the cemetery having died as a result of strangulation, said police.
A 16-year-old local boy was arrested on suspicion of murder on Tuesday.
But two days later detectives were given a further 36 hours by magistrates to continue questioning the boy in custody.
Lancashire police confirmed on Saturday afternoon that the teenager had been charged with her killing.
Lindsays two teenage children issued an emotional tribute to their mother on Friday, who said she was very loved by all that met her including all he pupils that she taught over the years.
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In a statement issued on their behalf by Lancashire Police, Ms Birbecks children Steven, 19, and Sarah, 16, said they have lost a best friend as well as a mum.
They said: On behalf of the whole family we would like to thank every single person that has helped and supported us during the search for our mum.
You are all aware now of the tragic circumstances and that she is no longer with us.
Lindsay was a great mum and wife, much-loved daughter, loving aunty and sister-in-law and a great friend too.
She loved running, walking, camping and socialising with her small circle of friends.
Our mum always wanted the best for us and never let us down with anything.
