A 35-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murder after a man was found dead in his home.

Michael Bryant-McMurchie, of Firethorn Close, Gillingham, was arrested on Friday and later charged with murder and arson.

Bryant-McMurchie, who goes by Michael Bryant, appeared before Medway magistrates this morning.

It follows the discovery of 68-year-old Alan Wyatt in Firethorn Close, The Vineries, Gillingham, on Thursday at around 10.30am following a house fire.

It is claimed Bryant torched disabled Mr Wyatt’s flat.

Appearing in the dock at Medway Magistrates’ Court wearing a grey tracksuit, Bryant spoke to confirm his details and that he’d understood proceedings.

He told chairman of the bench Pamela Spindlow he was born in London but adopted in Ireland and hence had dual citizenship.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.

Mr Wyatt’s body was found in the ground-floor flat by firefighters last Thursday morning.

Speaking today, one of Mr Wyatt's neighbours disclosed how he saw the events unfold.

He had watched - in shock - from his window as fire crews dragged Mr Wyatt's body from the property and police swarmed the street looking for witnesses.

The 31-year-old father said: "He was wheelchair bound, 68, with one leg, and he lived alone.

"Unfortunately his brother discovered him, he was sort of a carer for him.

"He was alive when they had gone out to go shopping for him.

"When the fire crews pulled him out, he was just feet away.

"Nobody deserves that. I didn't know him (Mr Wyatt) personally but he would always sit out in the morning with a cup of tea in his wheelchair.

"If you walked past and said morning to him he would always say morning back.

"But outside that I didn't have anything to do with him.

"He was a quiet bloke, and unfortunately this sort of thing happens to the nice people."

The owner of the corner shop in Grange Road, Gillingham, where Mr Wyatt sometimes bought supplies, also paid tribute.

Mike Patel said: "He never actually came through the door, because of his wheelchair.

"I always walked out to bring him stuff.

"He wasn't a regular customer but I will miss him. It's all everyone has been talking about."

Bryant was arrested at half past midnight on Friday.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for motorists to come forward, whose vehicles are fitted with dashcam and may have been parked in the following locations in Gillingham between 7am and 11am on Thursday, February 14:

• The Vineries;

• Castlemaine Avenue between The Vineries and Grange Road;

• Grange Road between Ingram Road and Castlemaine Avenue

• Parr Avenue

• Burnt Oak Terrace

They are also appealing for any residents or businesses in the same areas who might have private CCTV systems and was recording during the timescale mentioned above.

Anyone with footage, no matter how irrelevant it may seem at first, is urged to contact Detective Sergeant Murray Tester on 01634 884001 or by emailing 10785@kent.pnn.police.uk.