A man has appeared in court charged with murder.

Gordon McGhee, 52, was found dead in a flat in Forest Road, Colchester, on Wednesday afternoon.

Police arrested Danny Bostock, 32, on Saturday and he was charged with murder and arson with attempt to endanger life late on Sunday.

Bostock, of Berberis Walk, Colchester, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court this morning.

He stood throughout the short hearing and spoke only to confirm his address, date of birth and that he understood proceedings.

It was explained both charges were too serious to be heard at the lower court and he was remanded in custody until a further hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Wednesday.

The severity of the charges meant bail was not considered.

Mr McGhee was found with stab wounds to his back and chest.

Police continue to appeal for witnesses.

Det Insp Alan Pitcher is leading the investigation and is appealing for people with dash cam footage to get in touch with his team.

He said: “I’m specifically interesting in hearing from people who were in the Forest Road, Hawthorne Avenue and Avon Way areas of Greenstead, between 2am and 6am on Wednesday morning. I want to know if anyone saw anything suspicious and I’m especially keen to hear from someone who may have been driving in their area and has dash cam footage of their journey to get in touch with the team.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Stanway Major Crime Team on 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.