A SARDINIAN man has appeared in court charged with murdering an RAF officer from north Wiltshire.

Flight Lieutenant Stephen Keen, 54, who was based at RAF Lyneham, was found with multiple stab wounds at a house in the Tidcombe Grove estate, Tiverton, Devon, on Thursday.

Police said he died at just after 8.30pm at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital as a result of stab wounds to his neck and throat.

A woman also suffered injuries in the incident, but they were not life threatening.

Officers arrested Francesco Matta, 55, the same day on suspicion of murder.

He was taken to Heavitree Road police station after receiving treatment at hospital for minor injuries.

Matta was charged at 8am on Tuesday and appeared before magistrates in Exeter, where he gave his address as Cagliari, Sardinia.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at Exeter Crown Court on Tuesday.

Friends and colleagues of Mr Keen, of Rochdale Avenue, Calne, have been left stunned by his death.

The senior air load master was due to retire from the forces later this year and had just completed a re-settlement course through the RAF, training to be a locksmith.

Andrew Humm, 48, of Lyneham Village, said he had worked alongside Mr Keen as a civilian contractor for four years.

He said: "I am just in shock, Stephen was a kind-hearted and good-humoured man and to think something this horrific could happen to him is beyond belief.

"He was a lovely man and was looking forward to starting life in Civvy Street, I am just totally astounded that this could happen.

"He was so popular and always willing to help and was a regular face at the forces family days held here at Lyneham throughout the year."

Mr Keen was known in Calne for his role in the town's annual pig roast and mayor's ball.

Leader of North Wiltshire District Council and former Calne mayor Carol O'Gorman also paid tribute.

"He was a kind and popular man who would go out of his way to help a friend in a tricky situation," she said.

"He would often help me prepare for events in the town and would dedicate so much of his free time to the community."

A spokesman from RAF Lyneham said: "The service's deepest sympathies are extended to Flt Lt Keen's family and friends.

"They are all in our thoughts and prayers and they are being provided with support at this very difficult time.

"It would be inappropriate for the RAF to comment further as a civilian police investigation is taking place."