A 40-year-old Portuguese man has been remanded in custody charged in connection with the discovery of two home-made bombs at a flat near Gatwick Airport.

Jose Ivo Pestana appeared at Crawley Magistrates Court on Saturday facing one charge under the 1883 Explosives Substance Act.

The charge alleges that the defendant unlawfully and maliciously had an explosive substance, butane gas cylinders and pyrotechnic powder, with intent to endanger life.

Pestana, of Langley Parade, Langley Green, Crawley, was remanded in custody until a preliminary hearing at Lewes Crown Court on April 3. There was no application for bail.

Police last night said that Pestana, who needed an interpreter in court, had "no links to terrorism".

After the bombs were discovered at a flat in Crawley on Tuesday people living in 25 neighbouring properties were evacuated.

Residents began returning to their homes on Wednesday night after an Army bomb disposal team declared the area safe.

Two men, aged 38 and 35, also believed to be Portuguese, who arrested with Pestana were released without charge on Friday.