A community was in shock and a family distraught after learning that police involved in a murder inquiry believe the body of a 56-year-old mother-of-six was cut up.

Police officers say they are hopeful the remains will be found. Searches have taken place in Accrington and Manchester for clues about the disappearance of Zeinab Begum.

Mrs Begum was reported missing on January 13 and at the time police treated it as a missing person case.

A member of her family said she was seen looking upset on the morning of her disappearance.

Daughters of Mrs Begum came forward to appeal for information about her and set about putting up posters thenselves around Accrington and Blackburn in the hope that someone would come forward with vital clues.

One of her daughters, Samina Amin had later said she had given up hope of seeing her alive again.

Then on January 27 further investigations took place and a murder inquiry was launched only days before Muslim families were looking forward to celebrete Eid-Ul-Adha.

Mrs Begum's son-in-law Mohammed Arshad, 36, of Crumpsall, Manchester, has appeared before Hyndburn magistrates charged with her murder.

Another son-in-law, Mohammed Khan, 37, also of Crumpsall, has appeared before Blackburn magistrates charged with assisting in the disposal of parts of her body.

Following the arrest of Mohammed Arshad police searched the Millennium takeaway in Church Street, Accrington, which he owns.

It has also emerged that Arshad is an employee of Hollands Pies based in Baxenden.

Arshad has worked full-time in the meat processing plant for just under a year, and police have been to the factory to search his personal locker.

Managing director Graham March said, "We have co-operated fully with the police in their inquiries.

"As far as we are concerned he was an OK employee. He would have been supervised no more and no less than any other employee."

The full charge faced by Mohammed Khan, 37, of Middleton Road, Crumpsall, is that between January 13 and January 28 at Accrington and elsewhere he assisted in the disposal of human body parts of Zeinad Begum with intent to impede the arrest or prosecution of Mohammed Arshad, who had committed the offence of murder.

Det Chief Insp Steve Brunskill, who is leading the investigation, said, "I can confirm we have evidence Mrs Begum's body has been dismembered and we are still hopeful we will identify her current location.

"This is very upsetting for her family and we are keeping them informed through our team of family liaison officers."

The two accused are set to appear at Preston Crown Court later this month.