A man accused of murdering a wheelchair-bound neighbour before a fire broke out at his flat on Valentine’s Day has appeared at Maidstone Crown Court.

Michael Bryant was not asked to enter pleas to charges of murdering 68-year-old amputee Alan Wyatt and arson.

Mr Wyatt’s body was discovered in Firethorn Close, The Vineries, Gillingham, on Thursday, February 14, at about 10.30am following the blaze.

Bryant, also known as Bryant-McMurchie, of Firethorn Close, was arrested the next day.

Wearing a grey tracksuit, the London-born 35-year-old spoke only to be identified and give his date of birth and nationality.

Mr Wyatt’s body was taken from the ground floor flat by firefighters. He is believed to have suffered extensive head injuries.

Bryant was due to appear by TV link with Elmley Prison, but was produced in court because of technical failures.

He was remanded in custody and will enter pleas on March 20. A provisional trial date was set for August 5.

A neighbour told how he watched in shock from his window as the body was removed.

The father, 31, said: "He was wheelchair bound, 68, with one leg, and he lived alone. Unfortunately, his brother discovered him. He was sort of a carer for him.

"He was alive when they had gone out to go shopping for him.

"I didn't know him personally but he would always sit out in the morning with a cup of tea in his wheelchair. He was a quiet bloke."

Detectives were continuing to appeal for motorists with dashcams to come forward and may have been parked between 7am and 11am on February 14 in The Vineries, Castlemaine Avenue between The Vineries and Grange Road, Grange Road between Ingram Road and Castlemaine Avenue, Parr Avenue and Burnt Oak Terrace.