A MAN appeared before Bolton magistrates today charged with the murder of his 35-year-old neighbour.

Ian White, aged 42, of no fixed abode, was arrested following a disturbance at 11pm on Friday night in the block of bedsit flats, where the dead man Dean Houghton also lived.

Mr Houghton, who was formerly known as Derek Smith Meikle, was taken to the Royal Bolton Hospital where he died.

The case was adjourned until October 10 when a preliminary hearing will be heard at Manchester Crown Court.