Accused in court over Christmas Day double murder

Residents have been told there will be a large police presence in the area while the murder investigation goes on

A man has appeared in court charged with two counts of murder after two women died following a Christmas Day stabbing.

Jazwell Brown, of Santa Cruz Avenue, Milton Keynes, appeared at Luton Crown Court after Joanne Pearson, 38, and Teohna Grant, 24, died.

Mr Brown, 49, is also charged with the attempted murder of 29-year-old Bradley Latter and of a teenage boy, as well as causing unnecessary suffering to a Staffordshire bull terrier.

He appeared via video-link from HMP Bullingdon in Oxfordshire, and spoke only to confirm his identity. He will appear at the same court on 21 March.

A provisional trial date was set for 17 June.

Police were called to Santa Cruz Avenue at about 18:30 GMT on Christmas Day.

Both women died at the scene. Mr Latter and the teenage boy were taken to hospital with serious injuries, although both are said to be recovering.

Thames Valley Police said it was continuing to support the families of those involved.