COURT proceedings have started for a woman accused of murdering a man in a ‘quiet and lovely’ neighbourhood in Bicester.

Bailey Heywood, 22, has been charged with one count of murder after the death of Dale Bond, 45, on March 13.

Emergency services were called to a home in Mullein Road at about 12.01pm. Several police vehicles could be seen in the area and the road was closed off for several hours.

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Bicester Advertiser: Police outside Mullein Road, Bicester

Police released information about Mr Bond’s post-mortem examination which was conducted quickly after the incident.

It was revealed that Mr Bond’s cause of death was confirmed as a stab wound to the chest.

Heywood appeared at Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday (March 19) morning where a preliminary trial date has been set for September 2.

Bicester Advertiser: Two separate scenes were set up.

Wearing a light grey jumper, she spoke only to confirm her name. She has long, wavy brunette hair and a silver nose ring.

She is next due back in court for a trial preparation hearing on Friday, April 19.

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Thames Valley Police opened a murder investigation after the death of Mr Bond, who is from Bicester, which led to the arrest of Heywood and a young man in his twenties.

Bicester Advertiser:

The man has since been released on police bail and it is unknown if further action will be taken against him.

Speaking earlier this month, senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Will Crowther, said: “Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Bond, and specialist officers continue to support them at this very difficult time.

“Members of the public will continue to see a police presence as a scene will remain in place in Mullein Road.

“We would like to thank the public for their support and patience.”

Neighbours described the area as ‘quiet and lovely’ and were shocked to see the presence of so many police and emergency services.

One neighbour in Mullein Road, who wished to remain anonymous, said: “Relatively it’s a quiet sort of area and we never hear anything of that going on here.

“It’s one of the best closes around here. We never have any hassle and it's always quiet so this is quite a shock really.

Bicester Advertiser:

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“I have been here 11 years and I have never seen anything like this or untoward going on.

“It is quiet like this all day long every day as it is a nice residential area with people friendly and keeping themselves to themselves.

“Everyone knows each other but we don’t know too much if you know what I mean but we all help each other out.”