A man has appeared in court charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life after a house fire which left a man dead.

Stephen George-Davies, 50, spoke only to confirm his name during a brief hearing at Worcester Magistrates' Court.

Davies, of Oak Crescent, Malvern, Worcestershire, was charged with one count of murder and five counts of arson with intent to endanger life.

The blaze at a house in The Glade, Malvern, at about 1.45am on Monday, killed one man and left three people seriously injured.

The three - one man and two women - remain in Worcestershire Royal Hospital in Worcester.

Another person in the house as the fire took hold suffered smoke inhalation.  A youth who was also arrested has been released without charge while inquiries continue, West Mercia Police said.

Davies was remanded in custody to appear at Worcester Crown Court on October 23.