A man has appeared in court, charged with the murder of a relative at a care home in Westcliff.

Robert Knight, 52, of The Fairway, Leigh, is accused of killing June Knight, 79, who died at Langley Lodge Nursing Home in Imperial Avenue, Westcliff 10pm on Monday.

Knight is the only son of June and regularly visited her at the care home, where she was receiving palliative care for end-stage Alzheimer's.

Mr Knight appeared at Southend Magistrates' on Wednesday where the case was referred to Chelmsford Crown Court.

The 52-year-old was remanded in custody at Chelmsford Crown Court on Thursday and he will next appear in court on February 14.

No plea was entered.

A post-mortem examination to determine Mrs Knight's cause of death will take place later this week, Essex Police said.

The drama unfolded at about 10pm and a man was arrested at the scene.

Forensic officers were seen going in and out of the 29-bed care home yesterday which remains open.

A spokesman for the home said: “Langley Lodge Nursing Home can confirm that an incident took place on Monday.

"We are utterly shocked by what happened and we are cooperating with the police on this matter.

"We are providing support to other residents and their families.

“We will not comment further at this time.”