THREE people from Suffolk – one a boy of 14 – were remanded in custody last night after appearing in court accused of murdering an elderly woman and her adopted daughter.

THREE people from Suffolk – one a boy of 14 – were remanded in custody last night after appearing in court accused of murdering an elderly woman and her adopted daughter.

Michael Millcroft, 45, and 36-year-old Anita Mansfield, both of Black Dam Cottage, Beccles, appeared with the 14-year-old, also from Suffolk, before magistrates in Luton.

Each is facing two counts of murder and of conspiracy to obtain £800,000 by deception.

Millcroft and Mansfield were remanded in custody. The juvenile, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was remanded into local authority care.

All four will appear at Luton Crown Court on March 4.

Iris Jones, 79, and her adopted daughter, 34-year-old Mandy Joseph, were found shot dead by police on Sunday evening at their home in Hockliffe, near Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire.

Mrs Jones's family has paid tribute to both women, describing them as "full of love and compassion".

Mrs Jones's only natural son, Brian, 56, from Stanbridge, said: "Although frail in her later years my mother was noted for being a strong character who was full of love and compassion.

"It was these strengths that helped her foster more than 120 children between the 1950s and early 1980s. These included Mandy and her brother.

"Although Mandy was a foster child, she was like a daughter to my mum, who had looked after her since she was four.

"Mandy, who became a professional carer, later devoted her life to looking after mum. She was the kind of person who would do anything for anyone. Nothing was ever too much trouble."

Mandy's brother, Mark Joseph, 35, added: "Mandy was simply the nicest and most caring person you could meet. She was so important in my life and I loved her dearly."

Black Dam Cottage is an isolated property on the edge of Beccles Common and looking out over Beccles Marshes with no other houses in sight.

Yesterday it was deserted but there was evidence of the police activity taken place there in the past few days.

The cottage and its small garden were surrounded by police tape and "do not cross" signs.