A HEREFORDSHIRE man has appeared in court accused of trying to kill a shopper in a hammer attack.

Alexander Stone, 37, was arrested by police after the alleged attempted murder at the Nisa shop in High Street, Kington, on Friday.

During the 15-minute hearing at Kidderminster Magistrates Court on Monday, Stone was remanded into custody.

He spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

Karen Cockitt, prosecuting, said Stone was accused of hitting the victim over the head and back with the hammer at around midday.

He faces charges of attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, a hammer in High Street.

He is also accused of possessing an offensive weapon in private, a Death Star at his home in Bridge Street, Kington.

Stone, represented by Emily Gourley and not entering formal pleas, was told by deputy district judge Daniel Church that he will next appear at Worcester Crown Court on August 23.