A MAN charged with murdering Oxford teenager Connor Tremble appeared before a judge today.

William Blencowe is alleged to have killed Connor, 17, who was attacked on Thursday night at the flat where he was staying in Fairacres Road, Oxford.

Connor was rushed to the John Radcliffe Hospital after suffering stab wounds to his chest, legs and hands. His family made the decision to turn off his life support machine on Saturday.

Officers arrested a man in Stratford-upon-Avon, Warks, on Friday and following Connor's death, they charged 20-year-old Blencowe with murder.

He appeared at Reading Crown Court today via a videolink from HMP Bullingdon in Bicester.

Blencowe, of Oxford Road, Banbury, waved and called "love you" to family members in the public gallery before confirming his name to Judge Zoe Smith.

The defendant was remanded in custody to appear at Oxford Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on May 30, with his trial set for August 11.

Following the alleged murder, police have sought to reassure the community and said they did not believe the attack was random.

Connor had been in the care of Oxfordshire County Council and was originally from Banbury, where he attended the Blessed George Napier School.

Friends have set up a Facebook page called Justice for Connor Tremble and friends gathered at his flat last night for an evening of music and celebration of his life.

  • Please be aware there is a small amount of swearing