THE mother of Amersham Mayor Martin Phillips has been found dead in Birmingham.

Elsie Mary Ford, 77, was found dead at her home in Burford Park Road in the south of the city by police officers on June 28. Steve Garey, a police spokesman, said she had died from knife injuries.

A man was later arrested about a mile away from the scene.

Colleagues of Cllr Phillips, who earlier this year was elected Mayor of Amersham for a second consecutive year, said he was trying to continue with his council duties as much as possible following his mother's death.

Cllr Phillips was this week unavailable for further comment.

Shocked residents described Mrs Ford as a “lovely, kind woman”.

Neighbour Eileen Moclair, 73, said shortly after Mrs Ford’s body was found: “I was talking to her on Saturday and she seemed very happy.

“She had so much energy for a woman of her age and used to go dancing with friends a couple of times a week.

“She had been separated from her husband for some time. A gentleman would visit her and they would often go out on a Sunday.”

* An 82-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murder.

Bernard Ingleby, of Bomers Field, Birmingham, was remanded into custody following an appearance at Birmingham Crown Court on Monday. He is due back before court on October 4, when he is set to enter a plea.