A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing at Winchester Crown Court today charged with the attempted murder of a woman and her young child.

Roger Weir, 45, is alleged to have shot the woman, aged 27, with a self-adapted flare gun before attacking her with a baton and later a meat cleaver at a flat in Alexander Square, Eastleigh, on May 5.

On the same day Weir is also accused of attempting to murder a girl, aged 19 months, to whom he allegedly administered drugs. Neither victim can be named for legal reasons.

Weir, of Slough Lane, Poole, appeared in the dock with his left arm bandaged and protected by a large, blue foam cast.

He had been due to today enter his pleas to the allegations.

But James Newton-Price, defending, requested that his client not be asked to plead before the completion of a medical report.

Judge Guy Boney QC agreed and remanded Weir in custody until a plea and case management hearing on August 10.

The trial, due to last between five and seven days, is due to start on October 8.