Vasile Culea, 33, from Church Warsop in Nottinghamshire, has been remanded in custody and is due before magistrates in Nottingham on Saturday.

Freda and Kenneth Walker, a councillor and former mayor of Bolsover, were found by a concerned neighbour at 9am last Saturday at their home in Langwith Junction, Derbyshire.

Mrs Walker was pronounced dead at the scene in Station Road, while Mr Walker had life-threatening injuries and remains in a critical condition in hospital.

Assistant Chief Constable David Kirby said the "incident has had an understandable impact on the community".

He added: "While today's charge is clearly positive news, and one that I hope brings a degree of reassurance, the investigation into the incident continues and I would once again appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward.

"In particular, detectives still want to speak to anyone who was walking or driving on Station Road between 4.30pm on Friday 14 January and 9am on Saturday 15 January to come forward as soon as possible."

Anyone with information is asked to contact Derbyshire Constabulary citing reference 240-150122.