A man has denied murdering two 16-year-old boys in Essex.

Frankie Watson, 20, is accused of fatally stabbing Charlie Preston and Frankie Gater in Brentwood early on October 24 last year.

At the Old Bailey on Tuesday, Watson, of Orsett pleaded not guilty of two counts of murder and alternative charges of manslaughter.

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

Labourer Watson is the son of a football club scout and was on the books of Southend United Football Club when he was younger.

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He entered his not guilty pleas by video link from custody.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb confirmed a trial had been set for June 27 at a Crown Court yet to be decided.

She remanded the defendant into custody.

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