A 35-year-old woman has been charged with the murder of two people as police continue an investigation into their disappearance. Essex police launched the inquiry after receiving reports of concern for the wellbeing of the two people aged in their 70s. The force has now said it believes the pair have died and charged Virginia McCullough, of Pump Hill, Chelmsford, with two counts of murder. She is due to appear at Chelmsford magistrates court on Monday 18 September. A police spokesperson said: “A woman has been charged with two counts of murder following an investigation by detectives and staff from our serious crime directorate. “On Wednesday 13 September, we received reports of concern for the welfare of two people aged in their 70s. “As a result of the extensive work carried out by a dedicated investigative team, our strong belief based on all the evidence available is that the two people in question are no longer alive. “The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) is in agreement with this assessment. “As a result of that work, we have been authorised by the CPS to charge Virginia McCullough, 35, of Pump Hill, Chelmsford, with two counts of murder.” Det Supt Rob Kirby of the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate, said: “Although we have received authorisation to charge Virginia McCullough, this complex and in-depth investigation will be continuing at pace throughout the coming weeks and months. “I would also reiterate that our continued belief is that this is an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider Chelmsford or Essex public. “Our thoughts today are with the families of everyone involved and I can assure them all avenues of inquiry will be pursued extensively to piece together the circumstances around this matter.”