TRIAL arrangements have been put in place for two youths accused of taking part in an alleged gang rape of a teenage girl.

Lewis Bates, 18, and a 17-year-old co-accused appeared at Durham Crown Court today (Thursday October 3), but were not asked to put in pleas.

Both are facing three counts of rape of the girl, all said to have taken place in east Durham on Bank Holiday Monday, August 26.

Prosecutor Paul Cleasby and defence counsel, Richard Herrmann and Jim Withyman, agreed it would require a hearing of up to five days duration.

The trial will start at the court on Monday December 9.

No bail applications were made and Judge Christopher Prince adjourned the hearing.

Mr Bates, of Runciman Road, Hartlepool, and the 17-year-old were remanded in custody to next appear at the court at a plea hearing in the case on Friday November 15.

Reporting restrictions remain in place preventing publication of the identification of the 17-year-old, who is considered a juvenile in the eyes of the law.

Two other 17-year-olds and a 27-year-old man, also arrested following the incident, were bailed by police pending further inquiries.