Image caption Police at the scene of the incident on Tuesday morning

A 35-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of two people in north Belfast.

37-year-old woman, Frances Murray, and 47-year-old Joseph Dutton were found dead at the flat in Kinnaird Close at about 12:55 GMT on Monday 23 December.

Steven Arthur Andre McBrine appeared in handcuffs in the dock. He nodded to indicate he understood the charges.

A detective inspector said the defendant had made full admissions in relation to the incident.

He also said Mr McBrine, of Kinnaird Close, lived in close proximity to the deceased.

The court heard the three had been out drinking and a dispute had later arisen between them.

Acting for the defence, solicitor Denis Moloney said Mr McBrine knew the two victims and he had been fully cooperative with the police.

He said what had happened was a great tragedy particularly at this time of the year.

Mr McBrine was remanded in custody to appear in court via video-link on Thursday 23 January.