The girlfriend of a man accused of killing his wife and leaving her decomposed body in a wheelie bin outside their Cobham home has also been arrested, the Surrey Comet can reveal.

Lilia Fenech, 23, was arrested 10 days ago on her arrival at Gatwick airport on suspicion of murdering Melanie Wallner.

Unemployed chef Peter Wallner, 33, is currently awaiting trial charged with murdering his wife and preventing her lawful burial.

Her body was found upside down in a green wheelie bin outside her home in Hamilton Avenue, Cobham.

It is still unclear exactly when she died.

Lilia Fenech, who had been in Malta with her family, had told The Malta Times, before her boyfriend flew home voluntarily: "We're not involved in any way in this."

She was questioned at Staines police station and released on bail to return on a date at the end of this month without any charges being brought against her.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation – particularly people who knew Melanie Wallner or have seen her since August 2006 – are asked to call Surrey Police on 0845 125 2222 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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