TWO people have appeared in court in connection with the alleged rape of a woman at a flat.

A provisional trial date of October 23 was set for Karwan Zardah and Sabor Timori at Teesside Crown Court.

Before that, the pair, originally from Afghanistan, will appear for a plea and case management hearing on August 18.

Mr Zardah, 19, and Mr Timori, whose age is unknown, have each been charged with two counts of raping a 31-year-old woman at their flat in Coxwold Drive, Darlington, last Thursday night.

Neither of the two men has entered a plea to the charges.

Judge Michael Taylor remanded the friends into custody at Holme House Prison, Stockton, until their next appearance.

No application for bail was made.