A former Ukip councillor has appeared in court charged with the murder of his wife.

Stephen Searle, 64, is accused of killing 62-year-old Anne Searle, who was found unresponsive at an address in Stowmarket, Suffolk, at 10.30pm on Saturday.

Paramedics attended the address in The Brickfields but she was declared dead at the scene.

Suffolk Police said a post-mortem examination was conducted on Sunday and further tests were needed.

Ex-Royal Marine commando Searle, of The Brickfields, appeared at Ipswich Magistrates’ Court by video link from Bury St Edmunds police station.

He spoke only to confirm his personal details during the brief hearing and was remanded in custody to appear at Ipswich Crown Court on Wednesday.

No plea was taken.

The defendant appeared seated beside his lawyer and showed no reaction throughout the hearing.

Searle, who wore a blue jumper and has white hair and a white beard, is a former Ukip councillor for Suffolk County Council.

He represented Stowmarket South division from 2013 until 2017 when he stood for re-election but lost his seat.