Six teenagers have denied murdering Shakilus Townsend who was beaten with a baseball bat and stabbed.

The 16-year-old, of Tanners Hill, Deptford, was attacked in Thornton Heath on July 3.

Tyrell Ellis and Danny McLean, both 18 and from Thornton Heath, denied murder when they appeared at the Old Bailey on Monday.

Two boys aged 17, another boy aged 16, and a 16-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons, also pleaded not guilty to murder.

Another 17-year-old youth, who also appeared in court charged with murder, has not yet entered a plea.

An eight-week trial is expected to begin at the Old Bailey on April 15.