A 28-year-old man accused of murdering a mother and daughter in a Kent village at the weekend appeared at Maidstone Crown Court today.

Jack Ralph is alleged to have killed Margaret Harris, 78, and her daughter, 55-year-old Sharon, in Hadlow on Saturday. He is also accused of the attempted murder of Margaret Harris’ husband David.

The mother and daughter died from stab wounds at the scene in Carpenters Lane. David Harris, also 78, suffered serious injuries and was flown by air ambulance to a London hospital, where his condition was said to be stable.

Wearing a prison issue green and yellow outfit, Ralph, of Carpenters Lane, spoke to confirm his name, date of birth and nationality.

He will enter pleas to the three charges on October 29. Judge Philip Statman set a provisional trial date before a High Court judge for March 5 next year.

Prosecutor Ahmed Hossain said there were no members of the victims’ family in court.

A bail application was not made and Ralph was remanded in custody.