Wembley: Teen in court over 'unprovoked and random' killing of two sisters

A teenager has appeared in court accused of murdering two sisters in an "unprovoked and random attack" in a London park.

Danyal Hussein, 18, is charged with stabbing Nicole Smallman, 27, and Bibaa Henry, 46, in Fryent Country Park, Wembley, in the early hours of 6 June.

The women's bodies were found in the park two days after they disappeared from the beauty spot, where they had met friends to celebrate Ms Henry's birthday.

Hussein, of Blackheath, southeast London, is accused of two counts of murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

He was arrested at home on 1 July and appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Wandsworth prison.

When asked to confirm his identity by Judge Mark Lucraft QC, he replied simply: "Yes, your honour."

He did not enter a plea.

Prosecuting, Joel Smith told the court: "This was an unprovoked and random attack on two members of the public involving the use of a knife."

Judge Lucraft remanded Hussein in custody ahead of his next hearing on 21 September, when a trial date will be set.

None of the victims' family were in court for the brief hearing.

Their parents previously described them as "beautiful, talented" and "adored by everyone".

Ms Henry was a senior social worker from Brent and Ms Smallman was a photographer who lived in nearby Harrow, northwest London.