A trial date has been set for a man accused of murdering a woman who died after allegedly being hit by a car.

Christopher Harris, 35, appeared at Bristol Crown Court charged with killing artist Laura Biss, 34.

Her body was found on Burnham Road in Highbridge, Somerset, in the early hours of January 20.

Initial findings of a post-mortem examination suggested that Ms Biss died as a result of a head injury, police previously said.

Harris, of no fixed address, also faces a charge of causing Ms Biss’s death by dangerous driving in a Vauxhall Combo van.

He did not enter pleas to the charges against him during the short hearing at Bristol Crown Court.

The family of murdered Laura Biss have released a tribute.Laura, aged 34, died during the early hours of Saturday…

Posted by Avon and Somerset Constabulary on Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Judge Peter Blair QC, the Recorder of Bristol, pencilled in a trial date of July 23 for the case.

“We are going to have another hearing on May 25 and you will appear by video link on that day,” he told Harris, who appeared via video link.

“You are going to be remanded in custody.”

During the hearing Harris spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and British nationality.

The family of Ms Biss previously described her as a “beautiful daughter, a fantastic mother and a great sister”.

“She was also a talented artist, who had a great future ahead of her,” they said, in a statement released through Avon and Somerset Police.

“Words cannot express what her loss means to all her family and friends – we are heartbroken and totally devastated.”