Son charged with murder of British woman in SW France

The son of a British woman living in southwest France has been charged with her murder.

As reported, Vivian Hart, who was in her nineties, was found dead in her home in Trausse, in the Aude on Thursday, May 9.

Local police described her death, as suspicious due to wounds on her face that may have been caused by a knife.

Her son, Russel Hart, 65, was charged with murder on Saturday. He has been placed in the custody of mental health services in Perpignan due to 'questions about his psychiatric condition', the prosecutor said.

Ms Hart was well known in Trausse, where she had served as a town councillor between 2001 and 2008. She was also involved in the local library service and gave free English lessons in her home.