The man accused of murdering Greenhithe schoolgirl Claire Tiltman 21 years ago will stand trial in London, a judge has ruled.

Colin Ash-Smith, from Swanscombe, appeared at the Old Bailey today before High Court judge Mr Justice Sweeney, who ruled the case should be transferred out of Kent to a London court yet to be specified.

It is alleged Ash-Smith, 45, fatally stabbed the teenager in an alleyway off London Road, Greenhithe, in January 1993.

The Dartford Grammar School for Girls pupil was killed just four days after her 16th birthday and not far from her home in Woodward Terrace.

Her parents, Lin and Cliff Tiltman, have since died.

Ash-Smith was charged with her murder following a cold case review by Kent Police.

A plea and case management hearing will be held on Monday, May 19, and the trial is due to begin on Monday, November 3.