'Babes in the wood' murder charge

The two children in a police photograph from 1970

Police have charged a man with the "Babes in the Wood" murders of two children 30 years ago, Scotland Yard has confirmed.

Ronald Jebson, 61, appeared before Brent magistrates accused of killing Susan Blatchford and Gary Hanlon. He was remanded in custody until 11 April.

Susan, 11, and Gary, 13, disappeared from their homes at Enfield, north London, in March 1970.

Exhumed

Police interviewed nearly 15,000 people and conducted a huge search.

There was speculation that the pair had run away together but their bodies were found 11 weeks later in a copse in Epping forest by a man walking his dog.

The coroner at their inquest recorded an open verdict because scientific tests at the time could not tell if the pair had died from foul play or exposure.

But the case was reopened four years ago and last year the body of Susan was exhumed for further tests to be carried out. Gary's body had been cremated.