A MAN has appeared in court accused of murder in South Lakeland.

Mark Russell appeared at Furness and District Magistrates' Court, in Barrow, yesterday (Monday July 6) charged with the murder of Gordon James Smith in Windermere. 

Russell, 26, of Holly Terrace, Windermere, appeared in a two minute hearing. He spoke to confirmed his name, date of birth and address. 

The case was adjourned and Russell was remanded in custody until a bail hearing which is set to take place at Carlisle Crown Court on Wednesday. A preliminary hearing is then due to take place at Carlisle Crown Court on July 27. 

Cumbria police said they were called to Brookside, Lake Road, Windermere at 2.04am on Wednesday July 1 to reports of concerns for welfare of a male. Mr Smith, 44, of Church Street, Windermere was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Cumbria police have said Mr Smith died as a result of trauma to the head. 

Four people were arrested on suspicion of murder. A 31-year-old man from Millom has been bailed until July 17 and two females, aged 48 and 15, both from Kent, who were visiting the Lake District, have also been bailed until July 10. 

Cumbria police are continuing to make enquiries. Anyone with any further information to assist the investigation are asked to contact Cumbria police on 101.