A MAN has appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court charged with the murders of a young married couple who were stabbed to death in their home as their children slept upstairs.

Stephen Chapple, 36, and Jennifer Chapple, 33, were found by emergency services with serious injuries at their home in Dragon Rise, Norton Fitzwarren, at around 9.45pm on Sunday.

The couple, who have two primary-school aged sons, were later pronounced dead at the scene.

Collin Reeves, 34, also of Dragon Rise, was charged with their murders on Tuesday evening.

He appeared at Taunton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday morning wearing a grey prison tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name and address.

Reeves was remanded into custody ahead of his first appearance at Exeter Crown Court on Friday.

Magistrate Stephen Howells told him: "Due to the nature of these offences this court has no power to deal with anything to do with it, and we have no power to deal with any bail matters.

"Therefore, you will be remanded into custody to appear tomorrow, November 26, at Exeter Crown Court."

Nine members of Reeves’ family were present in court for the hearing.

One called out "love you bro" and another told him to "stay strong" as he was lead from the dock.

A second man, aged 67, was also arrested on suspicion of the two murders on Sunday evening, and he was released under investigation on Tuesday.

He remains under investigation, Avon and Somerset Police said.