Brentwood: Man denies murdering two teenage boys

Police were called to reports of a stabbing on 24 October in Brentwood

A man has denied murdering two 16-year-old boys who were stabbed to death.

Charlie Preston and Frankie Gater were stabbed in Brentwood, Essex, on 24 October.

Frankie Watson, 20, of Orsett, Essex, pleaded not guilty to two counts of murder and alternative charges of manslaughter via video link at the Old Bailey in London.

He also denied wounding another boy with intent and having a bladed article in Brentwood on the same date.

Mr Watson, a labourer who was on the books of Southend United FC when he was younger, was remanded in custody and a trial is due to start on 27 June.