A man has appeared in court after being charged with murdering two women from Tunbridge Wells more than 30 years ago.

David Fuller, aged 66, from Heathfield, East Sussex, was arrested on Thursday in connection with the deaths of Wendy Knell and Caroline Pierce in 1987.

He appeared at Medway Magistrates this morning, where he was remanded in custody.

He will next appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Tuesday.

He stood in the dock wearing glasses, a grey jumper and a mask, and only spoke to confirm his name. No plea was made.

Wendy Knell, who was 25, was discovered dead in her bedsit in Guildford Road on June 23, 1987. She had been sexually assaulted and beaten to death.

Caroline Pierce, 20, was last seen at about midnight on November 24, when she was dropped off by a taxi at her bedsit in Grosvenor Park.

She too was sexually assaulted and brutally killed.

Her body was found 40 miles away by a farm worker in a field near St Mary in the Marsh, Romney Marsh, on December 15 that year.

The investigation is being led by Assistant Chief Constable Tracey Harman, who said: "Whilst more than three decades have passed since these murders took place, I would urge anyone who has any information, no matter how minor or insignificant it may appear to be, to contact us."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Kent Police on 01622 652006 quoting case reference 46/YY/16746/20 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.

Read more: All the latest news from Tunbridge Wells