A TEENAGER accused of murdering his six-week-old baby son has been remanded in custody after appearing in court.

The 16-year-old, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, confirmed his name, date of birth and nationality as his case was heard at Winchester Crown Court for the first time this morning.

It comes a day after the teen was at Southampton Magistrates’ Court following the baby boy’s death on Sunday.

Police and paramedics were called to Defender Road in Southampton following reports that a child was in need of medical attention.

The baby was taken to Southampton General Hospital where he was pronounced dead a short time later.

The baby, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is alleged to have died after suffering head injuries and a bite to his nose.

The defendant did not enter a plea at this hearing but key dates in the case were discussed by prosecutor Tom Wilkins, the teen's defence team of Nigel Lickley QC and fellow barrister Elisabeth Bussey-Jones, and His judge Keith Cutler, Recorder of Winchester.

The boy will next appear at a hearing on March 29 before a pre-trial and preparation hearing on April 27, where he will enter his plea.

If the boy pleads not guilty, a provisional trial date of June 6 has been scheduled.

During the hearing, Judge Cutler said "the matter needed to be resolved one way or another" and told the teenager his defence team were "working hard" to ensure the case is concluded as quickly and effectively as possible.

Mr Lickley QC added: "These are complex cases and we have to get them right. They cannot be rushed."

No bail application was submitted.

An 18-year-old girl was also arrested on suspicion of murder.

She has been released from police custody but remains under investigation.