A man has appeared in court accused of murdering his 77-year-old wife.

Tarsame Singh, 79, appeared at the Old Bailey on Tuesday (May 9) after being charged with the murder of his wife Maya Devi.

Emergency services attended the couple's house in Cowdray Way, Elm Park on the evening of Tuesday, May 2.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Prosecutor Abigail Husbands told the court that Ms Devi was found with severe head injuries.

Singh will next appear at the Old Bailey on July 31 when he will be asked to give a formal plea.

Ms Devi worked as a postmistress at a Rainham post office with her husband before retiring a few years ago.

Havering Asian Social and Welfare Association outreach worker Nirmala Leal recalled to MailOnline that her close friend was “a lovely lady” and was “really warm-hearted”.