A woman has been remanded in custody charged with murder after two suitcases containing human remains were discovered in Gloucestershire.

Gareeca Conita Gordon, 27, is accused of killing an unidentified woman between 14 April and 12 May at her home in Birmingham.

Ms Gordon, who appeared for a videolink hearing from police custody, only spoke to confirm her name, address, date of birth and nationality to Cheltenham Magistrates’ Court.

Catherine Jones, prosecuting, told the court: "Given the nature of the charge it will be proceeding to the crown court with no bail."

District Judge Joti Bopa-Rai remanded Ms Gordon into custody and told her she would appear before Gloucester Crown Court on 19 May.

He added that the case may then go to Birmingham Crown Court but stressed that this was a matter for the crown court to decide.

Gordon will have the opportunity to apply for bail on 19 May.

The two suitcases were found near a quarry in Coleford, shortly after a member of the public told police that a car was driving erratically in the Forest of Dean on Tuesday evening.

Gloucestershire Police said that a post-mortem examination was inconclusive and that further examinations are seeking to establish the cause of death.

Additional reporting from PA