A youth accused of strangling a pensioner to death and stabbing her in the neck in her care home flat appeared at the Old Bailey today.

The 17-year-old, who cannot be named, is alleged to have attacked Margery Gilbey, 89, at Sonali Gardens sheltered accommodation last Friday.

She was found dead in her first floor room in the block in Sutton Street, Shadwell, by a care assistant.

Mrs Gilbey had been strangled and stabbed in the neck and her room – which she had only lived in for 10 weeks - had been ransacked.

The 17-year-old, from Romford, appeared for a brief hearing, during which he spoke only to confirm his name.

No application for bail was made and he was remanded in custody by Judge Richard Hone QC.

He will next appear at Stratford Youth Court on June 24.

The teenager has yet to enter a plea to a charge of murder.