A husband has been remanded in custody after appearing at the Old Bailey accused of murdering his ‘friendly and sweet’ wife.

Ray Mills, 65, of Stanley Avenue, appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday, February 13, where he was told he would have to stay in prison until a plea hearing in May.

His wife Linda was found dead in their home last Monday by police and he was charged with her murder on Wednesday.

A neighbour paid tribute to Mrs Mills, who was in her sixties, saying she was a quiet woman and kept herself to herself.

The couple are not believed to have any children, and had been married about 20 years.

The neighbour said: "Linda was a very friendly and sweet woman but she wouldn’t talk to anyone.

"She used to nod to us in the street."

The neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said she believed Linda was retired and said she had not seen many visitors going into the house in the past few years.

The house, previously guarded by a police officer as the forensic team examined the home, is now quiet and secured by padlocks.