THREE men have appeared in court charged with the murder of an East Lancashire businessman.

Fred Picton-Turbervill, who had emigrated to South Africa from Burnley, was shot in the head in front of his family by burglars who had burst into his luxury home in Pretoria.

Three men appeared at Pretoria Regional Court charged with housebreaking with intent to rob, robbery with aggravating circumstances and murder.

It is alleged that the accused broke into the 46-year-old's home on January 5 and forced him, his wife Ursula, and their children, Samantha, 10, Bryony, nine, Natasha, six, and Gregory, three, to lie down while they robbed the house.

As the family huddled together, Mr Picton-Turbervill was shot in the eye. He died afterwards in hospital.

The robbers made off with a laptop, and 1000 rand, about £74 in cash, and jewellery.

The accused are Petro Morkel, 27, and Thokozane Nhlapo, 23, of Alexander, a township near Johannesburg, and Rafel Thembe, 18. All are from Mozambique.

Magistrate Peet Johnson warned that, if found guilty, the trio could face a sentence from 15 years up to life in jail.

The case was adjourned until January 21.

Mr Picton-Turbervill, 46, had emigrated to South Africa three years ago after running his own successful furniture design business - D'Uberville in Burnley.

Before then he had worked for Pendle Furniture Ltd, which was based in Sabden and became Contrast Upholstery, for about 15 years.