A 37-year-old mum charged with the murder of her twin children wept as she appeared in court this morning.

Samantha Ford spoke only to confirm her name and age at a brief hearing at Canterbury Magistrates' Court, having been charged with two counts of murder.

Wearing a grey jumper and glasses, she held her left hand to her face throughout the hearing.

She has been remanded in custody until appearing via video link at Maidstone Crown Court on Monday.

Police were sent to her home in Castle Drive, near Margate at 3.35am on Thursday after reports of concern about the welfares of those inside.

Officers discovered 23-month-old twins - Jake and Chloe - inside, and they were taken to hospital where there were later declared dead by doctors.