A schoolboy has appeared at the Old Bailey accused of stabbing to death his own mother.

The 15-year-old is accused of killing his 44-year-old mother on the morning of February 12 at their home in east London.

The mother suffered head injuries and a stab wound to her chest.

The diminutive teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, spoke only to confirm his name and that he understood he was being remanded in custody.

He appeared in the dock flanked by two security guards for the first time last Tuesday, accused of one charge of murder.

Pre-trial Judge John Bevan set a case management hearing for May 2.