Man remanded over Lauren murder

Lauren's body was found in woodland by her grandfather

An 18-year-old man has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 10-year-old girl whose body was found in woodland.

Lauren Pilkington-Smith was discovered on 8 July in an area close to Twist Lane in Leigh, Greater Manchester.

Kieron Smith, from Pilling Street in Leigh, appeared before Wigan and Leigh Magistrates on Saturday morning.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Liverpool Crown Court on 25 July.

A post-mortem examination revealed that Lauren died after sustaining serious head injuries.

She was reported missing on 7 July after she had been playing cricket with friends.

Her grandfather found her body just 200 yards from her home.