A 92-year-old man from Ipswich has been charged with the murder and rape of a woman in Bristol more than 50 years ago.

A man was arrested in the Suffolk town on Tuesday after further forensic examination of items relating to the case of Louisa Dunne, who was found dead in Bristol in 1967.

The body of twice-widowed Ms Dunne, who was 75, was discovered in her home in Britannia Road, Easton, by a neighbour on June 28 that year.

Police determined her death was by strangulation and asphyxiation, and that she had been raped.

Ryland Headley, of Clarence Road in Ipswich, appeared at Bristol Magistrates’ Court via video link on Thursday morning after being charged by detectives overnight.

As Headley appeared in court, district judge Lynne Matthews told him: “There are two charges which are alleged against you.

“The first is that between the 26th and 29th of June 1967 in Easton, Bristol, you murdered Louisa Dunne.

“The second allegation is that between the same dates in Bristol, you raped Louisa Dunne, a woman.”

Headley, who was accompanied by his solicitor, was not asked to enter pleas to the two charges against him.

He spoke only to confirm his name, date of birth and address, and that he understood the hearing was taking place as if he was physically present in court.

The judge added: “The two matters are going to be sent to the crown court.

“A hearing at Bristol Crown Court will be tomorrow (Thursday), at or about 10am.

“I have no power to consider the question of your bail, and therefore you will be remanded in custody.”

READ MORE: Ipswich man arrested on suspicion of Louisa Dunne murder

DI Dave Marchant, of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “This development marks a hugely significant moment in this investigation.

“Now criminal proceedings are underway it’s important to stress the defendant has the right to a fair trial.

"Any speculation or misinformation on the circumstances of this case has the potential to prejudice these ongoing proceedings.

“We’ve updated Louisa’s family about this charging decision and a specialist liaison officer will continue to support them in the coming days, weeks and months.”