A 25-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of teenager Linda Lietaviete.

Alvin Jay Santos (pictured) spoke only to confirm his name during a two-minute hearing before Bournemouth magistrates.

Flanked by two security guards and wearing a black T-shirt, Santos, of Wimborne Road, Bournemouth looked down during the hearing.

The former Bournemouth and Poole College student, who was born in the Philippines, was remanded in custody and will appear before a judge at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday December 18.

Friends and family members of both Santos and Miss Lietaviete were in Court 3 for the brief hearing.

Miss Lietaviete's body was found at Horseshoe Common in Bournemouth town centre in the early hours of Friday December 13.

Santos was arrested that day and on Saturday detectives were granted an extension of a further 36 hours to keep him in custody.

A detailed investigation was carried out by the Dorset Police Major Crime Team with cordons set up on the common and also round a nearby block of flats.

Residents at the flats said they were signed in and out of the building by police officers all day on Saturday.

The 16-year-old student is thought to have been stabbed although the results of a post mortem examination have not yet been made public.

The coroner has been informed and an inquest will be heard at a later date.

Tributes to Linda can be sent to newsdesk@bournemouthecho.co.uk