A man has appeared in court accused of his mother-in-law's murder after allegedly trying to burn down the family home.

Simon Childs, 51, stood before magistrates this morning after being charged with killing Jackie Allen. He also faces an attempted murder charge.

Grandmother Ms Allen died after being rescued from the blaze at a house in Spitfire Road, West Malling near Kings Hill on Saturday night.

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Despite being taken into the care of paramedics, the 65-year-old tragically passed away.

A child was treated for smoke inhalation and a leg injury.

Video: Man arrested after woman dies in house fire in West Malling

A dog also died in the fire.

Floral tributes have been left near the home in memory of Jackie while friends and neighbours have set up online fundraising pages to help pay for funeral costs and help her family.

Childs is accused of causing the fire at the house he had shared with his wife Mandy Childs who was not at home at the time.

He was remanded by Medway Magistrates’ Court to appear before Maidstone Crown Court on Thursday.