A MAN has appeared in court charged with murder after a body was found inside a house.

Simon Bowman, 54, was found dead by emergency services at his home address on High Street, Jarrow, just after midday on Tuesday.

He had not been seen since Sunday and officers had been treating his death as suspicious.

On Tuesday evening a 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of his murder and he has been held in police custody.

Christopher Graham, 30, Romney Avenue, Washington, appeared before South Tyneside Magistrates Court on Friday morning.

He has been remanded into custody and is due before Newcastle Crown Court on Monday.

Detective Chief Inspector John Bent said: “We know that these types of incidents can have a big impact on the local community.

“We have had cordons and police activity in the area since Tuesday and we appreciate that this can be concerning for residents and businesses.

“Officers have been on patrol in the area since Simon’s body was discovered and we have been engaging with members of the public.

“I want to thank you for your patience during our investigation and I also want to thank those who came forward with information.

“Anyone with information should still contact 101.”