A 27-year-old has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with the murder of a man found dead in his flat.

Christopher Hunnisett, of Chanctonbury Drive, Hastings, is accused of murdering Peter Bick, 57, at his home in Dorset South Road, Bexhill, on Tuesday night.

A post-mortem examination found he died from severe head trauma.

During the five-minute hearing at Hastings Magistrates' Court Hunnisett spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth.

He stood in the dock wearing a blue jumper and was flanked by two guards.

No application for bail was made and he was remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court on January 18.

Asda worker Mr Bick’s family have paid tribute to him as a great animal lover who “was very friendly and was well-liked”.