A TAUNTON man has appeared in court charged with murder following a dramatic police raid in the town last week.

Aaron Venna, 23, was arrested by detectives after they swooped on his home in Priory Avenue last Thursday afternoon.

Several forensic officers made a fingertip search of his flat throughout Friday.

Mr Venna was arrested for the murder of 26-year-old unemployed Serena Mahoney.

Miss Mahoney drowned in the River Lee in Cheshunt, where she lived on a boat with her boyfriend.

The evening before Miss Mahoney had been drinking in a nearby pub and left around closing time.

Police said that people living in the area heard a prolonged scream around 11.15pm which they believe could have been hers.

She was discovered by a member of the public on Wednesday, March 29.

None of her property was missing.

Detective Chief Inspector Colin Sparrow who is leading the murder investigation said her body was found in the morning after being in the water a number of hours.

He said: "Serena died as a result of drowning but there is evidence she had also been physically assaulted."

Mr Venna appeared before East Hertfordshire Magistrates Court on Monday.

He was remanded in custody after the case was adjourned to be sent to St Albans Crown Court.

Mr Venna will appear in court again on Friday, May 5.