A woman has been accused of murdering her own mother after they both mysteriously vanished for several months earlier this year.

Lorna Nightingale, 70, was reported missing after last being seen in Lowestoft in February, while her daughter, 36 year old Emma Nightingale, disappeared from Colchester in June, The Mirror reports.

The disappearances, which happened four months and 65 miles apart, led Suffolk police to initiate a significant search operation on 24 August.

Although the duo were found "safe and well" on 30 September, it has now emerged that Emma is facing murder charges in connection with her mother's death in London.

Emergency services were called to Blackhorse Road in Walthamstow, London, on 11 December, following reports of an unresponsive woman..

Lorna was pronounced dead at the scene, but it is thought she could have died anytime between 1 November and 11 December.

Emma, whose address was given as Blackhorse Road, Walthamstow, was remanded in custody prior to her appearance at Thames Magistrates' Court on 13 December.

She is due to appear at the Old Bailey in London on 9 January.

During the over month-long search for the Nightingales, officers received support from the County Policing Command, Missing Person Advisors, Technical Support Unit, Surveillance Unit and Intelligence Unit. Numerous partner agencies and charities, including the British Transport Police, also provided assistance.

When the investigation first commenced, officers believed the family members could potentially be located together in Essex, a region where both individuals allegedly have connections.

"Particular concerns" were expressed for the women's wellbeing at the time.