A mother accused of murdering her 23-month-old twins failed to appear for a hearing in court today.

Samantha Ford was due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court via video link with Bronzefield Prison in Ashford, Surrey.

Judge David Griffith-Jones QC said the hearing would proceed in her absence as she appeared to have “chosen not to remain available on the video link”.

Ford, 37, faces two charges of murdering Jake and Chloe Ford on Thursday, December 27.

She will enter pleas on January 31 and a provisional trial date before a High Court judge was set for June 24. It is expected to last up to three weeks.

Police were called to her home in Castle Drive in Margate at 3.35am. The twins were declared dead at the QEQM Hospital in the town.

The cause of death has not been given. A post mortem examination is being held on Wednesday, January 2.

The mum’s Ford Galaxy car was earlier on December 27 in collision with a lorry on the A299 Thanet Way between Whitstable and Herne Bay. She was treated in hospital for minor injuries.

Ronnie Manek, defending, said there were mental health concerns and a psychiatric report was awaited.

“There are a number of factors to explore,” he added.

He did not make a bail application.

The heartbroken father Steven Ford, 35, tweeted: "Daddy's twins xxx my beautiful babies. I love you."

In a later tweet he said: "I want the world to see my beautiful babies. Jake and Chloe forever xxx."

Mr Ford was said to be comforted by relatives at the couple’s former home in Charing, near Ashford.