An Amersham man accused of murdering a woman who was found dead in bed was due to appear in court this week - but the hearing was cancelled.

Zahid Naseem, 47, of Elm Close, was arrested and charged with murder after 29-year-old Christina Abbotts, who was found bludgeoned to death in a flat in Highams Hill, Gossops Green, Crawley, West Sussex, on May 25, 2018.

Naseem, 47, who knew Christina, was arrested at the property and later charged with murder.

He was due to appear to Hove Crown Court on Thursday for a short hearing but court staff said he was not produced and the hearing is no longer taking place.

At the time of his arrest, those who know Naseem told the MailOnline of their shock at the arrest of their “lovely” neighbour.

Fears were raised about Christina when she failed to turn up for her own birthday celebration in London to mark her 29th birthday.