A 13-year-old girl appeared in court after being charged with the murder of Marta Bednarczyk, whose body was found in a burning house.

A 13-year-old girl has been charged with the murder of Marta Bednarczyk, a 43-year-old mother of three, after the victim’s body was discovered in a Wellingborough house fire.

Emergency services rushed to Newcomen Road in the early hours of Monday morning to tackle the blaze, but Bednarczyk was declared dead at the scene. A post-mortem examination later confirmed that she had suffered a fatal sharp-force injury.

The teenage suspect, who cannot be named for legal reasons, appeared at Northampton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, clutching a teddy bear. She spoke only to confirm her age before the case was sent to Northampton Crown Court, where she was remanded into youth detention accommodation.

Bednarczyk’s devastated family described her as “the matriarch of the family”, a loving mother and a supportive friend. Originally from Poland, she had moved to the UK in 2010 and worked in a Wellingborough warehouse to support her children.

“We are heartbroken at the thought of never seeing our lovely Marta again,” the family said, calling her death a tragedy that will haunt them forever.

Police and forensic teams continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the horrific crime, with Det Ch Insp Johnny Campbell thanking officers for their tireless work. The accused will next appear in court on 11 April.