Woman missing since Christmas is found dead in garage

The body of mother-of-two Marie Stewart was found by officers at her address on Perseverance Place, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, on Sunday.

Detectives, who arrested a 28-year-old man at the house, are understood to be investigating reports Ms Stewart’s partner and their two young children were living in the property throughout the time she had been missing.

West Yorkshire Police have confirmed they were contacted on Saturday morning by relatives of Ms Stewart, who were concerned because they had not seen her since Christmas.

The body was discovered at the house by police checking out this report, a spokesman said.

A 28-year-old man and a 29-year-old woman were arrested at the house in connection with the death.

The woman was later released without charge but detectives were given permission by magistrates to continue holding the man.

Police said they could not confirm who had been arrested or who had been living at the house.

The spokesman said: “The body can now be confirmed as that of 30-year old Marie Stewart, of Perseverance Place, Holmfirth.

“The results of a post-mortem carried out last night have revealed that cause of death was multiple stab wounds and blunt force trauma

“Also, detectives have been granted a magistrates extension to continue questioning the 28-year old man arrested in connection with Marie’s death. Inquiries are ongoing.”

Forensic teams have been conducting a detailed examination of the newly-built rented townhouse which is on an estate between the villages of Holmfirth and Holmbridge.