A Chadwell Heath mother denied murdering her eight-year-old daughter when she appeared at the Old Bailey today.

Polly Chowdhury, 34, is said to have killed Ayesha Ali, who died from head injuries, at their home in Bedwell Court, Broomfield Road on 29 August last year.

Chowdhury pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and causing or allowing the death of a child.

Her close friend Kiki Muddar, 41, also faces the same charges but did not enter a plea.

Both women will return to court on 6 June for a case management hearing.

Chowdhury and Muddar, of Green Lane, Ilford, were both remanded in custody.

The trial is due to start on July 21 and is now expected to last between six and seven weeks.