THE SCARBOROUGH man found murdered in a ground floor flat in Eastborough has been named by police as 48-year-old Gary Francis Virr.

John David Stamford, 51, was arrested on Christmas Eve in connection with Mr Virr’s death, and appeared before magistrates in Scarborough on Monday, charged with murder. He was remanded in custody until Thursday.

North Yorkshire Police said Mr Virr had been subjected to a violent attack in which he sustained extensive head injuries.

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to phone North Yorkshire Police on 0845 6060247, or anonymously by phoning Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.