A 21-YEAR-OLD man, who allegedly murdered his five-week old daughter, has appeared in court.

Andrew James Ashurst, of Formby Avenue, Atherton, was brought before Manchester Crown Court accused of killing Leah Marie Aldridge in December last year.

She was admitted to hospital with breathing difficulties on December 23 and died on Christmas Day.

Ashurst was granted conditional bail until a plea and directions hearing on November 7.