A MAN has appeared in court accused of murdering a woman in a Hampshire cemetery. 

Martin Suter, 66, appeared at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court today in connection with the death of 71-year-old Ann Blackwood.

The Lee-on-the-Solent resident died at Crofton Cemetery in Stubbington on Monday afternoon. 

Suter, of Portsmouth Road, Lee-on-the-Solent was remanded in custody to appear at Portsmouth Crown Court tomorrow, July 28, at 10am. 

No pleas have been entered at this time. 

READ MORE: Murder accused named after woman dies in cemetery

On Monday, police were called to the cemetery at Lychgate Green to reports of a woman being assaulted.

"At least" seven police cars and the air ambulance helicopter were spotted at the scene.

Ms Blackwood was treated by officers and paramedics but later died at the cemetery.

A police cordon was in place all day on Tuesday while officers carried out their investigation.

Ms Blackwood's family paid tribute to her today, describing her as “loving, caring, kind-hearted mother and friend”.

A statement issued by police on behalf of her family said: “Her daughter, brothers, their families and all her friends are absolutely devastated by the loss of Ann Blackwood.

“A loving, caring, kind-hearted mother and friend who was very popular in her local community, she was enjoying her retirement with an active lifestyle which included tennis, sailing, cycling and music.”