The family of a Thame man found stabbed to death in a blazing bungalow in Northamptonshire yesterday described him as "a gentle man with a kind and generous spirit".

Richard Flippance, 44, was found dead at the house in Brampton Ash, near Market Harborough, in the early hours of Sunday, with Fiona Marshall the sister of one of the country's richest men, the Carphone Warehouse tycoon David Ross.

Mrs Marshall's estranged husband, Alex Marshall, 36, has been charged with murdering both of them. Mr Marshall, of Irchester Road, Rushden, Northamptonshire, will appear before a Crown court on July 11.

Brian Bushell, defending, made no application for bail for Marshall, who appeared before magistrates wearing grey trousers, a green shirt and a blue woollen sweater.

He spoke only to confirm his name and age.

It is not known how Mr Flippance, who lived in Roundhead Drive, Thame, and 41-year-old Mrs Marshall knew each other.

A post mortem showed both had died from stab wounds.

Mr Flippance's relatives said in a statement: "We have been devastated by Richard's untimely death. A gentle man with a kind and generous spirit he was much loved not only by us, his family, but by his many friends.

"He was a very talented individual who could turn his hand to most things.

"He worked in engineering and had recently started a new job. In his spare time he was a semi-professional photographer. His love of horses and his camera made him many lasting friend- ships.

"As a son, a brother and a brother-in-law, we couldn't have wished for better.

"His loss has left a gap in our lives which can never be filled. Richard was always there for his family and friends."

Mr Flippance's body was found in the bungalow as crews of firefighters from Northamptonshire and Leicestershire tackled the flames.

Mrs Marshall was found dead some hours after the fire started, on the floor of what had been a bedroom.

Dental records were used to identify her body. A post mortem examination later revealed both victims died from stab wounds.

It is believed Mrs Marshall moved into the bungalow after her millionaire brother bought the property and surrounding farmland.

The mobile phone tycoon's family are said to be "in a severe state of shock" over the death.

A statement issued by Mr Ross said: "We are all devastated and in a state of severe shock after learning of Fiona's death.

"We would be very grateful if the privacy of our family is respected at this difficult time."

Mr Ross helped set up Carphone Warehouse in 1989 and establish the company as one of the biggest mobile and car phone retailers in the UK.