TWO men accused of a Boxing Day murder appeared before a judge for the first time today.

Craig Barstow, 30, and Craig Fletcher, 32, are alleged to have killed Gavin Barnes, 36, who was found at a property on High Street in Eston, near Middlesbrough.

Neither Mr Barstow nor Mr Fletcher entered pleas to the charge during the ten-minute hearing at Teesside Crown Court, but will be asked to when they return on March 22.

A provisional date for a trial - expected to last eight to ten days - was set by Judge Stephen Ashurst for June 10.

Mr Barstow, of Steele Crescent, South Bank, and Mr Fletcher of High Street, Eston, were remanded in custody until their next appearance.

A third man, aged 29, who was also arrested on suspicion of murder, has been bailed while the investigation continues. A 37-year-old woman and a 38-year-old man were released without charge after being questioned.

Police said an incident happened at a private address, believed to be a flat, in Eston Precinct, around 8.30pm last Wednesday.

Crime scene investigators were at the four flats above the Post Office, Katie's Cardz, Morgans bakery, Nail Paradise and A.P convenience store, which face into the square and Eston Job Centre.

Prosecutor Jolyon Perks told the court that the death is still being investigated, and the results of a post-mortem examination will be provided to defence barristers soon.

Judge Ashurst told the two defendants: "The investigations into this case are still at a very early stage. As soon as the results of forensic examinations are known, your lawyers will be given information by the prosecution.

"The next hearing will be on March 22, by which time the prosecution will have served their case on your lawyers and you will be required, by March 15, to say what your defence is to the charge of murder."