A couple appeared in court today accused of murdering a Chinese woman whose headless body was found floating in a laundry bag in the River Thames.

Student Xing Xing Xie, 23, who lived in Lambeth, was found with her head and hands removed in South Dock Marina, Rotherhithe, in April. Her hands are still missing.

A post-mortem examination revealed the cause of death as neck injuries caused by a sharp instrument.

Noor Azura Mohd-Yusoff, 22, of Ealing, west London, and Trach Lon Gian, 26, Deptford, south London, pleaded not guilty to murder.

They face trial at the Old Bailey on July 7.