The teenager was refused bail in Glen Innes Children’s Court on Tuesday and in Moree Local Court on Wednesday.

Police discovered the body of a 64-year-old man, believed to be Kenneth Kemlo, after a fire destroyed his house in Howell Rd, near Tingha, in the early hours of Monday morning.

At 7.30am the youth was reported missing by his parents’ from the neigbouring property.

The burnt-out house was discovered about 8.45am.

Police later found Mr Kemlo’s Toyota van abandoned in Inverell about 3.30pm and traced the youth to a house in Stirling St at 4.45pm.

Inverell Police acting Inspector Ross Chillcott said a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of the man’s death started on Wednesday and is expetected to be completed today.

The State Crime Homicide Squad and forensic investigators attended the scene and investigations are continuing.

The teenager’s hearing was adjourned on Tuesday for mention on October 22, and he will appear by video link.