The man accused of murdering popular school worker Bori Benko today made his first appearance before Bradford Crown Court on a video link to HMP Leeds where he is held in custody.

Zbigniew Soj, 23, of Sherborne Road, in the Great Horton/Shearbridge area of Bradford, wore a grey short-sleeved t-shirt for the hearing and both his arms were heavily bandaged.

Soj, who had the assistance of a Polish interpreter, will stand trial on May 9 next year.

He is accused of murdering Miss Benko, 24, in her flat in Sherborne Road on Sunday.

Soj is also charged with attempted murder in relation to the incident in which Miss Benko was fatally stabbed and another woman, aged 21, was seriously injured.

He spoke only to confirm his name and to say that he understood what had been discussed.

Soj appeared before Bradford and Keighley Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was sent to the crown court in custody.

The charges were not put to him today.

Soj’s solicitor advocate, Kara Frith, told the court that investigations were being made as to whether he was fit to plead.

The Recorder of Bradford, Judge Richard Mansell QC, adjourned the case for a further case management hearing on February 24.

Miss Benko came to the United Kingdom from Hungary as a youth worker in 2016.

Her family has earlier said in a tribute: "Bori will be very sadly missed by all her family and friends both in Hungary and the wider community, along with the staff and children at the school where she worked.”

Bradford charity, the Global Café, said it was "devastated beyond words" after hearing that Miss Benko, who worked as a volunteer there, had died.

The Christian charitable organisation operates in partnership with churches across Bradford to support international and national students studying away from home.

The Global Cafe trustees said: "We were devastated and deeply saddened to hear the tragic news of the death of a dear member of our Global Cafe team, Bori (Borbala) Benko, aged 24.

"As a volunteer for Global Cafe, Bori gave her time to creating a fun, welcoming environment for people to find friendship and build community whilst studying in Bradford.

"Bori was a cherished member of Global Cafe Bradford and we are devastated beyond words because of her sudden death.”