North of England Correspondent Kevin Bouquet: "The Boardmans were known as a quiet, friendly couple"

Stephen Akinmurele is accused of killing Eric Boardman, 77, and his wife Joan, 74, who were found dead at their home in Bispham, near Blackpool, Lancashire, on Friday.

A police spokesman said Mr Akinmurele, from Blackpool, would appear before the town's magistrates on Monday. Detectives will then seek to have him remanded in custody.

The bodies of the couple, married 27 years and well-known in the area, were discovered by one of their daughters.

North of England Correspondent Kevin Bouquet: "The Boardmans were known as a quiet, friendly couple"

Mr Boardman's body was lying in the hallway under a toppled wardrobe and his wife's was on the floor in a living-room.

A bloody cosh made from batteries bound together was found under Mr Boardman's body and a murder inquiry was started.

Post-mortem examinations found the former electrician and pleasure boatman had head, neck and facial injuries. His wife had neck injuries, but the cause of their deaths has not been determined.

The couple's family were said to be "absolutely devastated" by their deaths.