Harold Shipman, 52, appeared before Tameside magistrates in Greater Manchester.

He was told he would face committal proceedings for crown court trial on Thursday on charges of killing Ivy Lomas, 63, on 29 May 1997 and Marie Quinn, 67, on 24 November 1997.

Dr Shipman, who runs a solo practice in Hyde, was also told he would face committal proceedings on 28 January for charges of murdering Jean Lilley, 59, on 25 April 1997 and Irene Turner, 67, on 1 November 1996.

He pleaded not guilty to murdering former Mayoress Kathleen Grundy at an earlier hearing at Liverpool Crown Court. He also denies forging her £300,000 will.

Dr Shipman, who lives in Mottram, Greater Manchester, has already been committed for trial charged with killing Bianka Pomfret, 49, Winifred Mellor and Joan Melia, both 73.

Murder squad detectives have exhumed 12 bodies as part of their investigation, which began last summer.