Man charged with Isle of Man murders

A 21-year-old man was appearing in court today charged with the murder of two teenagers on the Isle of Man.

Peter Charles Newbery, of the island capital Douglas, is alleged to have strangled Samantha Barton, who is from Dublin, and George Green, both aged 16.

Unemployed Newbery was appearing before a High Bailiff or Deputy Bailiff - the equivalent of a district judge in England.

Samantha’s body was found at the care home where she lived near Douglas on February 8.

Her friend, also 16 and from Douglas, was found strangled just a quarter of a mile away in a thicket the following day.

Samantha was living at the Leece Lodge care home when she was killed.

Detectives are still keen to speak to a man seen on the former Douglas to Peel railway line, near to where George’s body was found.

He is described as white, 5ft 4ins to 5ft 6ins, wearing a blue and black hat, a blue fleece and light-coloured trousers.

Inspector Roberts said: ‘‘We remain anxious to identify the man who was seen leaving woodland at around 1.35pm on February 8.

‘‘The man is asked to come forward so that he can be eliminated from the inquiry.’’