A MAN accused of committing murder has made a first appearance in court.

Assisted by a Lithuanian interpretor, Ricardas Jonusas, aged 31, of Balby Road, Doncaster stood in the dock at Bolton Magistrates' Court and spoke only to confirm his age and address.

Wearing a grey sweatshirt, Jonusas entered no plea to the charge that he murdered 35-year-old Laurimas Ruzanov.

He was remanded in custody to appear at Manchester Crown Court on Wednesday.

Police launched an investigation on Friday after they were called to a house in Mornington Road, Heaton, just after 11.30pm.

Mr Ruzanov had suffered stab wounds and, despite emergency treatment, is said to have died a short time later from his injuries.

Residents say they have been shocked by news of the killing.

"It's a very tragic incident for the community," said Ramesh Patel, who runs Heaton News. "We know most of the people that live round here and there's never been anything like this happen before.

"I'm sure this is the first time there has been a stabbing and I have lived here for about 30 years."