A man has appeared in court charged with murder after a woman died in a house fire.

Police launched an investigation after the body of the victim was found at the scene of a suspicious fire in Shorncliffe Road last Thursday.

This morning, Liam Petts was charged with murder and arson reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Appearing at Folkestone Magistrates' Court via video link, he indicated that he will enter a plea of not guilty to both charges.

The victim has been named in court listings as 46-year-old Nicola Shaba.

Petts, 24, of Shorncliffe Road, will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Friday.