A 49-year-old man has appeared in court charged with two counts of murder after two women died following a suspected stabbing in Milton Keynes on Christmas Day.

Officers were called to Santa Cruz Avenue at about 6.30pm on Wednesday where two women – Joanne Pearson, 38, and Teohna Grant, 24 – died.

Jazwell Brown, of Santa Cruz Avenue, Bletchley, appeared at High Wycombe Magistrates’ Court today on two counts of murder.  

Wearing a grey tracksuit, Brown only spoke to confirm his name, age and address and was remanded in custody.

He has also been charged with  the attempted murder of Bradley Latter, 29, and of a teenage boy – who for legal reasons cannot be named. 

The man and teenage boy, who were taken to hospital with serious injuries, are both said to be recovering in a stable condition. 

Brown has also been charged with one count each of possession of a knife in a public place and causing unnecessary suffering to a protected animal, a Staffordshire bull terrier, in connection with the incident, Thames Valley Police said.

The force previously said the dog had died, but have since been informed that the terrier survived.

Magistrate Bernard Crossey held a short silence out of respect for the victims following the hearing.

The force confirmed they are supporting the families of those involved.

Brown will next appear at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday.