West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison has appeared in a Manchester court

West Ham midfielder Ravel Morrison threatened to blow up the house of his ex-girlfriend during a four-year campaign of harassment, a court has heard.

The former Manchester United player was also accused of threatening to throw acid in the face of 19-year-old Reah Mansoor and to have her killed.

The England U21 international appeared at Manchester Crown Court at a preliminary hearing at which the charges were laid out.

The 21-year-old, who spent much of last season on loan at Queens Park Rangers, was initially arrested and charged with two counts of common assault.

His arrest came after he allegedly punched and slapped Miss Mansoor and her mother Parveen Mansoor, 39 in the early hours of July 27 in Salford.

As well as the assault charges, he was also charged with causing his ex-girlfriend to fear violence would be used against her during the period January 1, 2010, to July 20 this year.

The charge alleges he threatened to throw acid in her face, blow up her house and have her killed and that he made other threats of violence.

Morrison spoke only to confirm his name, age and address.

David Fish QC, representing Morrison, said his client would be pleading not guilty to the charges.

Morrison, who was initially remanded in custody after his arrest last week, before being bailed, was bailed by District Judge Khalid Qureshi to appear at Manchester Crown Court for a preliminary hearing on August 28.