June Jones murder: Ex-boyfriend charged with killing woman found dead on New Year's Eve

Police believe Michael Foran killed June Jones between 16 December and 31 December

June Jones with her ex-partner, Michael Foran, who was charged with her murder (West Midlands Police)

The ex-partner of a woman who was found dead in her home on New Year’s Eve has appeared in court charged with her murder.

Michael Foran, of no fixed address, was arrested after West Midlands Police launched a manhunt following the discovery of June Jones’ body at her maisonette in West Bromwich, at around 2am on 31 December.

Police believe Ms Jones, 33, was subjected to a “brutal assault” by the defendant, who is accused of having killed her between 16 December and 31 December.

Mr Foran, 32, who was arrested in Liverpool on Saturday, appeared at Walsall Magistrates' Court for a brief hearing on Monday.

Wearing a grey T-shirt and grey jogging bottoms, he spoke only to confirm his name.

He was remanded into custody by District Judge David Webster to appear at Wolverhampton Crown Court on 9 January, where he is expected to enter a plea.

Keith O'Dwyer, 34, of Beaconview Road, West Bromwich, also appeared before magistrates on Saturday charged with assisting an offender and was remanded in custody to appear at the same court on 10 January.

Ms Jones was reported missing by her sister on Boxing Day.

Det Insp Warren Hines, from West Midlands Police's homicide department, said: “I would like to thank the public and media for their support in this investigation and I would continue to urge anyone with information to come forward.”