UPDATED: 1.02PM: Anger in court this morning as the two people lunged at the man accused of murdering Renee Duckmanton.

The 22-year-old Christchurch woman was killed on May 14. Her burnt body was found dumped in rural Rakaia. Police believe her death is connected to her job as a sex worker.

LISTEN: Newstalk ZB reporter Charlotte-Lewis West talks to Chris Lynch from outside the court house

A 31-year-old man charged with her murder appeared at Christchurch District Court today.

As he appeared in the dock, two people lunged at him.

He was taken back to custody as Miss Duckmanton’s family yelled, screamed and tried to reach him.

The court was cleared and they had to be restrained before the accused returned to the dock.

Renee Duckmanton's aunty, Sue McGrath, said it's hard for them to comprehend that someone didn't just kill her niece, but burnt her as well.

"Everyone's just broken. They need to get more camera's down Manchester Street. My heart does go out to the ladies. I just want them all to take care of themselves."

The man, who was granted interim name suppression, didn’t ask for bail and will reappear in court in June.