Man on murder charge over death of woman, 25

A man has been charged with murder after a young mother-of-two was found dead in the street.

John Wright, 32, of Thatcham, near Newbury, Berks, was today due to appear at Reading magistrates’ court charged with murder and grievous bodily harm with intent, Thames Valley Police said.

Officers were called to Thatcham at around 2am on Tuesday following reports of a body on the pavement.

The victim has been formally identified as Janine Bowater, 25, of Thatcham. Police said a post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death to be compression of the neck.