THE Gassman sisters have been remanded in custody over the alleged murder of 49-year-old Alison Connolly.

Amberstasia Gassman, 23, and younger sister Charice, 19, appeared at Swindon magistrates court this morning after being charged with murder last night.

A heavy police presence ensured the court was able to conduct its business, with the public gallery filled with members of the Gassman family.

As the two women were led out of the dock, they began to cry and gestured to their family, who shouted, "Be strong, we love you. Read your bible, keep your heads high."

The chair of the bench remanded both in custody and sent them under sec 51 powers to Bristol Crown Court for a bail hearing next Tuesday.

Alison, of Penhill Drive, was found with a stab wound at the bottom of a communal stairway in Evelyn House on Tuesday afternoon.

Wiltshire Police are continuing with their investigations and are appealing for witnessess to the incident on Tuesday, May 12, in which Alison Connolly died.

If anyone has any information they are asked to contact police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.