A man accused of murdering a missing mum has appeared in crown court.

Mark Brown, 40, of Squirrel Close, St-Leonards-on-Sea, East Sussex, was charged on Sunday with the murder of Alexandra Morgan, from Sissinghurst.

Brown appeared at Medway Magistrates’ Court yesterday, and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth, with the case sent straight to Lewes Crown Court, in East Sussex.

Today, wearing a grey sweatshirt, Brown spoke again only to confirm his identity at Lewes Crown Court.

Prosecutor Amy Packham said Brown had been charged with murder on November 14, of Alexandra Morgan.

No plea or indication of plea was entered.

Mother-of-two Alexandra was last seen at a petrol station near Cranbrook at 7.20am on Remembrance Sunday and has not been in contact with her family since.

Police presence in Squirrel Close in Hastings

Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate began leading on efforts to find Alexandra and last week launched a murder investigation.

Brown was arrested in connection with her disappearance on Thursday.

Inquiries to locate Alexandra’s body remain ongoing with searches continuing in several locations, including Sevenoaks Weald.

A 53-year-old man from Hastings arrested in connection with the case on Friday has been released without charge.

Her Honour Judge Christine Laing QC remanded Brown in custody and set the next hearing for February, where Brown is expected to enter a plea.

A provisional trial date has been set for May.