Man appears in court charged with woman's murder

A 32-year-old man has appeared in court charged with murder after the death of a woman in Kent.

Joshua Izu has been charged after a 64-year-old woman was found dead at a private property in Khartoum Square, Whitfield, on Sunday following reports of an assault.

Police said Izu, of Dover, was known to the victim, who the BBC understands to be 64-year-old Oji Izu. Her next of kin have been informed.

After the hearing at Margate Magistrates' Court earlier, Joshua Izu is next expected to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on Wednesday.

There will be an increased police presence in Whitfield while officers investigate and a cordon at the property has been stood down, police said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have relevant CCTV or dashcam footage is urged to contact the force.

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.