A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a pensioner, who was allegedly attacked in her Burton home.

Ellen Portsmouth, 79, died in hospital on Friday following an alleged assault at her house in Wellington Street.

Irfan Salim appeared before magistrates in Burton today charged with her murder.

The 24-year-old, of Waterloo Street, Burton, was remanded in custody until the next hearing at Stafford Crown Court on Monday.

The neighbourhood policing unit commander, Inspector Javid Oomer, said his thoughts were with Mrs Portsmouth's family and friends.

He said: "Although this is a rare and isolated incident, it's undoubtedly had an impact on the local community."