A woman has appeared in court charged with murdering her 13-year-old son.

The body of Alex Wessell was found on a bed at his home in Mayfield Close, Findon Valley, Worthing, on Thursday.

During a ten-minute hearing at Worthing Magistrates' Court his mother Lesley Wessell, 42, spoke only to confirm her name.

She was charged with murder on a date between September 17 and 22.

Mrs Wessell was remanded in custody at Holloway Prison until September 28.

A hearing for committal to crown court will take place on October 28.

Meanwhile, detectives are still trying to trace Alex Wessell's last movements.

Detective Chief Inspector Mark Eyre, who is heading the inquiry, codenamed Operation Melvin, has appealed for the teenager's friends and neighbours to come forward.

Alex attended St Andrews High School in Broadwater, Worthing, on Monday, but there have been no confirmed sightings of him since he left.

Police are trying to establish the exact time of Alex's death and are not revealing details of a post-mortem examination held on Friday.

Det Chief Insp Eyre said: "We want to hear from any of Alex's friends and neighbours who may have seen him at any time over the last few days.

"We are still at a very early stage and are doing everything we can to gather as much information as possible so we can establish exactly what happened."

Detectives also plan to talk to schoolfriends and staff during the next week to learn more about his character and his usual activities and interests.

St Andrews head teacher Steve Jewell said: "The whole school has been deeply saddened by this tragedy.

"Alex was a valued member of the school, respected by staff and pupils alike.

"He was bright and hard-working and had great potential for the future.

"His keen sense of humour made him popular with his classmates.

"He will be greatly missed."

Anyone with information can contact Worthing police station on 0845 6070999.