A woman and a teenager appeared in court today charged with slashing a homeless man's neck in an Isleworth alleyway.

Jodie Dobby, 22, of no fixed address, and Sonni Dhillon, 19, of Cardington Square, Hounslow, were charged with stabbing the 46-year-old man in Mill Platt, on Friday, just after 9pm.

Owen Allen, who suffered stab wounds to his head and a slashed neck, was discovered by fire crews when they were called to a nearby blaze. He remains in a serious but stable condition today.

The pair appeared separately at Feltham Magistrates' Court today charged with grievous bodily harm with intent. They will enter pleas at Isleworth Crown Court on December 9.

Both Dobby and unemployed Dhillon, were released on conditional bail and were banned from contacting each other.

Dhillon, who wore a white sweatshirt, spoke only to confirm his name and address, while at an earlier hearing Dobby wept throughout the proceedings.

The court heard how a stanley knife, believed to be the weapon, was handed in to police shortly after the attack.

Mill Platt was sealed off by police over the weekend as officers gathered evidence and searched nearby bushes.

Detective Inspector Alan Holford said: "The family are aware and very thankful for everyone's efforts in saving Owen's life."

Hounslow CID are anyone with information to call them on 020 8257 6160 or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.