A teenager accused of killing a vulnerable man who was stabbed repeatedly and dismembered with a knife has appeared at the Old Bailey.

The 17-year-old boy, from the Earl’s Court area in central London, is charged with the murder of a 53-year-old man.

The dismembered torso and head of the victim, previously named in court documents as William Algar, were found at a house in Nowell Road, Barnes, south London, on January 3.

The vulnerable man, who was said to have suffered health issues, was subjected to a serious knife attack before the “dismemberment and degradation” of his body.

A post-mortem examination found the victim had suffered about 20 stab wounds, including a fatal 8cm deep injury to the chest, and was then cut up with a blade.

His arms and legs had been removed and could not be found in the house.

The alleged killer, who cannot be identified because of his age, spoke only to confirm his identity when he appeared by video link from Feltham Young Offender Institute.

Judge Wendy Joseph QC adjourned setting a trial date until a further hearing on January 16 at the Old Bailey.

The defendant’s parents were in the public gallery for the preliminary hearing.