A man has appeared in court charged with the attempted murder of his mother and step-father. 

It is understood the woman, in her 60s, was allegedly stabbed in the head with a screwdriver. She remains in a coma in hospital.

James Wells, 42, of Seymour Road, Lee-on-Solent, Hampshire, spoke only to confirm his personal details. 

Appearing in the dock at Swindon Magistrates' Court flanked by two custody officers, Wells wore a torn grey tracksuit. 

He did not enter pleas to allegations he attempted to murder his mother, Linda Holford, and stepfather Adrian Holford, in Shalbourne, near Great Bedwyn, on Monday evening. 

His lawyer, Tori Adams, made no application for bail and he was remanded in custody to appear before Bristol Crown Court on May 1.

Chairman of the bench Hatty Stafford-Charles said: "It's such a serious offence you're charged with and the circumstances are so grave the only thing we can do is remand you in custody until you appear in the crown court where you will be heard on May 1 in Bristol."

Members of Wells' family packed the public gallery. Before he left the dock the man was shown a family photograph and a message from his relatives.