A man accused of murdering his 55-year-old mother will appear in court tomorrow.

Jamie Burnett, of Old Road, Chatham, was due at Maidstone Crown Court today but the hearing has been postponed.

The 27-year-old was arrested on Thursday night after the body of Lesley Spearing was found at her home in Oast View Terrace, Rainham. She had suffered a stab wound.

Burnett appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court on Saturday morning where he was remanded in custody.

Speaking this morning at his home in Milton Regis, Sittingbourne, Ms Spearing's brother Colin said the family was "pulling together".

He said: "It is very sad, horrible. I can't say anything yet as nobody seems to know what happened.

"We are a big family and are pulling together. I was close to my sister."

He added that most of his family live in the Rainham area.

On Sunday morning, St Margaret's Church, High Street, tolled its bells in tribute to Ms Spearing.

The congregation gathered in silence to pray for all those involved.

Read more: All the latest news from Medway

To get the latest updates on ongoing cases, police appeals and criminals put behind bars