Man facing murder charge over woman's death in Derry

The scene of the murder on Harvey Street in Derry city centre

A 28-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Spanish woman Montserrat Martorell in Londonderry at the weekend.

Ciaran Murray, from Gortfoyle Place, appeared via video link at Bishop Street courthouse from Musgrave Street police station in Belfast.

He also faces other serious charges, including arson with intent to endanger life. He was remanded in custody.

Police had said the 65-year-old woman sustained multiple injuries in a brutal attack.

The accused appeared via video link at Bishop Street courthouse in Derry

Her body was found in the bedroom of a burning ground floor flat in Harvey Street in Derry city centre in the early hours of Saturday.

Montserrat Martorell, who had been living in Derry, sustained multiple injuries in what the police described as a "horrific and sustained attack".

Her injuries were so extensive that detectives were initially unable to identify her.

During the short hearing on Thursday, Ciaran Murray confirmed his date of birth and address and that he understood the charges.

A detective inspector said she believed she could connect him to the offences.

There was no application for bail and the accused was remanded in custody until 26 September.