The victim of a suspected murder died due to a head wound, it has been revealed.

Nicola Shaba was found dead at her home in Folkestone after firefighters broke the door down.

Emergency services had been called to the scene to combat a suspicious fire at the Shorncliffe Road building. Upon entering the property they found the body of Ms Shaba, a care assistant, sat on the sofa.

A post mortem gave her cause of death as a 'head injury'.

A man has appeared in court connected with the 46-year-old's death and the ensuing fire at the property on February 17.

Liam Petts appeared at Folkestone Magistrates' Court on Wednesday February 23 charged with murder and arson reckless as to whether life was endangered.

Appearing via video link, the 24-year-old – also of Shorncliffe Road – indicated that he will enter a plea of not guilty to both charges.

He is due to enter an official plea at Maidstone Crown Court on March 23.

The inquest into the death of Ms Shaba was opened at County Hall in Maidstone, and suspended pending the ongoing criminal investigation.