AN artist has been charged with murdering his 63-year-old mother and attempting to murder his father.

Graeme Morris, 38, of Hove, East Sussex, appeared in private at Ayr Sheriff Court yesterday afternoon.

It is alleged he carried out the attacks on his elderly parents at their bungalow in Troon on Friday.

Morris, a former student at Glasgow School of Art, is charged with murdering his mother, Ann, at her address in Polo Gardens by punching her on the head and pushing her on the body.

He is also charged with assaulting his father, Fred, 64, by repeatedly striking him on the head and body.

Morris's solicitor, Tony Currie, said his client made no plea or declaration and the case was continued for further examination.