A MAN was appearing before Beverley magistrates today charged with the murder of his wife.

John Arnold Appelquist, 49, of Ebberston, Scarborough, is accused of the murder of Sybil Teresa Appelquist between December 31, 2001, and November 8, 2002.

Sergeant Steve Page, of Humberside Police, said officers were first alerted to the disappearance of Mrs Appelquist when they visited her home in Bridlington for an unrelated matter in November, 2002.

An extensive missing persons inquiry was launched. Her body has never been found.

Updated: 09:10 Saturday, June 28, 2003