A man has appeared in court charged with murdering a six-year-old girl who died in a fire at her home.

George Sithole, 40, is accused of killing Dumolule Sibanda, who was known as Dumo, in the blaze at Banks Road, Crawley, in 2004.

Sithole, who was extradited from South Africa last week, is also charged with arson with intent to endanger life and arson being reckless as to whether life was endangered.

He did not enter a plea and spoke only to confirm his name during a brief appearance at Lewes Crown Court today.

Sithole, of no fixed address, was remanded in custody until a plea and case management hearing at the same court on May 27.