A MAN accused of murdering a police officer from Bolton more than a decade ago has appeared in court.

Gary Nelson, whose trial is expected to open on Thursday, is alleged to have murdered PC Patrick Dunne, 44, in Clapham, south London, on October 20, 1993.

PC Dunne moved to London to become an officer with The Met after quitting his job as head of maths at The Deane School in Bolton.

Nelson is also charged with killing William Danso, a 31-year-old nightclub doorman. Mr Danso was shot six times by an armed gang at his home, shortly before a single bullet was fired into PC Dunnes chest in the street outside as he attended the incident.

Nelson, aged 36, who was smartly dressed in a navy blue suit, pink shirt and polka-dot tie, spoke just once to confirm his name at the beginning of the hearing at Londons Woolwich Crown Court.

A jury was due to be selected towards the end of proceedings on Tuesday.