Natalia Strelchenko murder accused appears in court

A man charged with murdering concert pianist Natalia Strelchenko has been remanded in custody.

John Martin, 48, is accused of killing the 38-year-old, who was found with fatal head injuries at a house in Newton Heath, Manchester on Sunday.

Mr Martin, of Culcheth Lane is also charged with the attempted murder of a youth, who cannot be named.

He appeared at Manchester Magistrates' Court and is due before the city's crown court on Friday.

In a statement, Ms Strelchenko's family said: "Natalia was a talented, beautiful, much loved mother, daughter, sister and friend. She will be greatly missed."

According to her website, the pianist was of Russian origin and made her debut aged 12, with the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra.

Also known as Natalia Strelle, she had performed across Europe, Japan and at New York's prestigious Carnegie Hall.

She was educated at St Petersburg State Conservatory and the Norwegian Academy of Music.