A man accused of murdering his mother-in-law in a fire at the family home appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Wearing a grey tracksuit, Simon Childs spoke only to be identified and give his date of birth and nationality of British during the brief hearing by TV link with Elmley Prison.

He is charged murdering grandmother Jackie Allen, 65, who died after being rescued from the blaze at the house in Spitfire Road, West Malling, near Kings Hill, on Saturday.

The 51-year-old is also accused of attempting to murder a child, who cannot be identified for legal reasons. The child was treated for smoke inhalation and a leg injury.

A dog also died in the fire.

Childs, who sat with his arms folded, will enter pleas on December 19. A provisional trial date was set for May 13 next year.

A bail application was not made and he was remanded in custody.

Floral tributes to Mrs Allen have been left near the home and friends and neighbours have set up online fundraising pages to help pay for funeral costs and other expenses.

Childs lived at the house with his wife Mandy, who was not there at the time of the fire.