Detectives say the murders of Reverend John Suddards (left) and Betty Yates (right) are linked

A man accused of the murders of vicar John Suddards and retired teacher Betty Yates has been remanded.

Stephen Farrow appeared via video link from Bristol Prison and spoke only to confirm his name.

The 47-year-old was remanded in custody by Bristol Crown Court ahead of a hearing next month.

Farrow, of no fixed address, was held by North Avon Magistrates' Court in Yate in south Gloucestershire.

It comes after the 47-year-old was found at a house in Black Bull Road, Folkestone, on Sunday.

It follows the killings of a vicar in South Gloucestershire and a retired teacher in Worcestershire.

Reverend John Suddards was found stabbed to death in Thornbury last week, while 77-year-old Betty Yates was discovered at her home in Bewdley on January 2.

Farrow, pictured left, was arrested by officers from Kent Police in the end-of-terrace house at around 4.20am after a tip-off from a member of the public.

He was questioned by detectives for four days before being charged with both murders last night.

Farrow's arrest came a day after Avon and Somerset Police named Farrow as a suspect in the murder of Reverend John Suddards.

Mr Studdards was found stabbed to death at the vicarage of St Mary's Church in Thornbury, near Bristol, last Tuesday.

He had been a clergyman for 22 years, but only began working at St Mary's after moving from Witham, Essex, last July.

West Mercia Police linked his death with that of 77-year-old Betty Yates, who was murdered in Bewdley, Worcestershire.

Her body was found at the foot of the stairs at her home on January 4. Like Mr Suddards, she had been stabbed to death.

Police at the end-of-terrace house in Blackbull Road, Folkestone, where Stephen Farrow was arrested on Sunday

Officers thanked members of the public for their support.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson of West Mercia Police said: "I would like to express my gratitude to those members of the public who have helped us and responded to our appeals and I would also still encourage people to come forward and talk to us if they have information which could assist our inquiry."

CPS Senior District Crown Prosecutor Siân Sullivan said: "Having reviewed this case in line with the Code for Crown Prosecutors, I have today decided that there is sufficient evidence to charge Stephen Farrow with the murders of Betty Yates and John Suddards.

"I have also authorised a charge of burglary at a separate address in Thornbury."

Anyone with information should call 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.