POLICE have charged a man on suspicion of murder after a woman was found dead in a wheelie bin.

The body of Nicola Stevenson, 39, was found dumped in the bin near her home in Stansfield Road, Lewes, last week.

She had been missing for several weeks, and was found by a dog walker.

Detectives launched a murder inquiry, and yesterday 41-year-old Richard Canlin was charged on suspicion of the killing.

He will appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court this morning.

Meanwhile a second man, aged 37, also arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on police bail until December 12.

Ms Stevenson was found dead on Wednesday last week, and police began searching the Landport Road area in Lewes.

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Friday said officers are working “tirelessly” to seek  justice for her and her family.

The detective said: “Despite the charging of a man, we are still desperate to hear from anyone who may be able to add to our investigation timeline.

"We are urging anyone who saw Nicola before her body was found to come forward to us as you may hold vital information to aid our ongoing investigation.

"For those of you living in local community to Nicola, you will still see our officers out and about conducting enquiries; please do go and speak to them if you have anything to add.”

Nicola Stevenson was named last week as the victim. Police say she has not been formally identified, but said they are satisfied it is her.

Information can be reported online or via 101 and quoting Operation Stafford.