A man accused of murdering the parents of four children has been told he faces trial in November.

Derek Martin, also known as Derek Glenn, faces murder charges after Josh and Chloe Bashford were found dead at their home in Lewes Road, Newhaven, on Friday evening.

Martin, 64, of Moulsecoomb Way in Brighton, who was known to the couple, appeared at Lewes Crown Court today.

His mental state at the time of the killings will be assessed and he will appear in court again on August 3 to enter a plea.

A provisional trial date was set for November 27.

James Nash, for the defence, confirmed there was no indication of plea. Martin, wearing a grey T-shirt and jogging bottoms, spoke only to confirm his name.

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A family member tried to confront Martin as he was sent down.

Judge Christine Laing KC said: "I appreciate tensions are likely to be running very high but the court process has to take place.”

Sussex Police previously confirmed that a post-mortem would take place later this week.

Josh, 33, and Chloe, 30, were found at their home near Newhaven Cemetery at around 7pm on Friday.

Family members have set up a crowdfunding appeal for their children Brooklyn, Ava, Mila and Joshua.

Detective Chief Inspector Kimball Edey of the Surrey and Sussex major crime team said: “Our thoughts remain with the families of the two victims at this extremely difficult time.

“While our work to establish the exact circumstances of what happened is ongoing, we are not seeking anyone else in connection with the matter.

“I’d like to thank the public for their understanding and remind them not to speculate or comment on anything which could jeopardise our investigation in the meantime.”

Martin remains in custody.