A man has made a brief appearance in court charged with the murder of a young Italian couple living in the North East.

Andrea Cardinale is accused of murdering 26-year-old Antonio Calabro, known as Nino, and his 20-year-old fiancé Francesca Di Dio late last year.

The bodies of the couple were found in a flat on Thornaby Road, Thornaby on December 21.

According to reports Francesca had travelled from Italy to visit her partner for Christmas before they were both found dead.

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This morning, the bearded 22-year-old appeared before Teesside Crown Court via a video link from Durham Prison wearing a blue T-shirt.

The Northern Echo: Forensic officers working at the scene of the alleged murders on Thornaby Road, Thornaby.Forensic officers working at the scene of the alleged murders on Thornaby Road, Thornaby. (Image: Picture: Graeme Hetherington)

An Italian interpreter relayed the details of the short hearing to the defendant in his native language and the defendant spoke only to confirm his name and age.

Judge Howard Crowson remanded Cardinale in custody until his trial in the summer.

A police cordon remained at the scene for a number of days while forensic investigators worked at the scene.

The families of the victims are both being supported by specialist officers.

The Italian national’s trial is listed for July this year.