A MAN who is accused of murder and attempted murder in Worcester will face trial in the city next week.

Charles Byrne appeared at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on February 12 over the two matters, murder and attempted murder.

He is accused of murdering Christina Rowe and attempting to murder another person, who cannot be named for legal reasons.

Both charges relate to offences which happened in the city on February 10 and Byrne will appear again, this time at Worcester Crown Court, on February 16.

24 year-old Byrne was brought up from the cells into the dock with a security officer stood next to him.

He appeared unemotional throughout, answering only "yes" when asked to confirm who he was.

Dressed in a grey sweatshirt and with shaved blonde hair, he did not enter a plea and spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address to the court.

Prosecutor Ralph Robins-Landricombe said bail should not be granted as there was a risk Byrne, of Waterworks Road, Worcester, would fail to surrender to police upon the start of the trial, and a risk he may attempt to interfere with witnesses.

Byrne was represented in court by Gerry Vahey, who said to District Judge Derek French: "Mr Byrne understands these matters, so there are no representations I can make."

Deputy District Judge French agreed, saying he would not allow bail.

He said: "These particular charges can only be dealt with at Crown Court.

"The first date will be February 16, you will be remanded in custody until that date.

"I am satisfied with what the prosecution has told me in that you would fail to surrender and would also interfere with witnesses, particularly the other victim."

Byrne was arrested on February 10 as police in Worcester put cordons in place across the city.

One was in Diglis, the other in Cheviot Close and a third at Byrne's address in Waterworks Road.

He was charged with murder and attempted murder late on February 11after Miss Rowe's body was found.