A man has appeared in court in connection with the murder of a man found dead in a Norwich flat two years ago.

Theodore Lynch, 41, has been charged with the murder of Leslie Smith, 63, whose body was discovered in his property on Suffolk Square on October 17 2021.

Eastern Daily Press: Police at Suffolk Square in NorwichPolice at Suffolk Square in Norwich (Image: Newsquest)The death was initially treated as unexplained by police and a Home Office post mortem concluded the cause of death was inconclusive.

But further tests revealed Mr Smith's cause of death was consistent with a wound on his neck and detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team launched a murder enquiry.

On Friday, Lynch, currently of HMP Five Wells in Wellingborough, appeared at Norwich Magistrates' Court having been charged with Mr Smith's murder.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Magistrates CourtNorwich Magistrates Court (Image: Peter Walsh, Newsquest)Lynch, who wore a black and grey Adidas tracksuit, spoke only to confirm his details during the short hearing.

Eastern Daily Press: Theodore LynchTheodore Lynch (Image: Norfolk Constabulary)Paul Frary, chairman of the bench of magistrates, formally sent the case to Norwich Crown Court on Monday.

Lynch was remanded in custody until the next hearing.

Following Mr Smith's death, neighbours described their shock at what had happened.

An 80-year-old neighbour of the victim, who did not wish to be named, said: "I did not know him well but I used to say hello when I passed him. It made feel very upset."

A woman in her 70s who had lived on the estate for a few years, said: "No matter where you live, you never know what's going on next door."