A 50-YEAR-OLD man has appeared in court charged with the murder of Richard Perkins, who died in an arson attack on Monday.

Stephen George-Davies also faces five counts of intending to destroy or damage property and intending to endanger life following the fire at The Glade, Malvern, at about 1.30am on Monday.

Wearing a dark blue T-shirt, George-Davies, of Oak Crescent, Malvern, spoke only to confirm his name, address and date of birth at the hearing at Worcester Magistrates Court this morning.

A youth arrested in connection with the incident has been released without charge while inquiries continue.

Mr Perkins, 37, was found dead in a rear bedroom of the property in the early hours of Monday morning.

His wife Roseann, aged 40, remains in a serious condition at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, and stepdaughter Katie, aged 17, is still on a life support machine. His stepson, Ben, 18, is now thought to have been released from hospital.

The case against George-Davies was adjourned to Thursday, October 23, when he will appear at Worcester Crown Court.

He was remanded in custody until that date.