The man accused of stabbing Malachi Brooks to death in Battersea has had his murder charge dropped.

Malachi, 21, who worked as a carpenter, was allegedly stabbed to death in Surrey Lane in the early hours of the morning on March 28.

Joel Preddie, 20, of Chantry Way, Mitcham, was originally charged with murder and arson, but is now just charged with arson and perverting the course of justice.

He now faces the same charges as Abdul Popatpotra, 26, of Tooting, who was also charged in connection with the murder.

Both men pleaded not guilty to the charges at the Old Bailey on November 22.

Popatpotra and Preddie were remanded in custody after their arrests in September and will attend a bail application hearing on December 1.