TWO men have been charged with murder following the death of a 50-year-old in North Yorkshire.

Richard Ian Walker, 50, was found dead in a flat in Scarborough's Princess Street, at about 4.30pm on Thursday.

Two men, aged 42 and 39, were charged with murder on Monday night. They have been remanded in custody, and are due before magistrates on Tuesday.

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the men have also been charged with two counts of robbery, both of which occurred in Scarborough, one between October 12 and 15, the other on October 14.

The spokesman said none of the robbery charges were connected to Mr Walker.

A 54 year old man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder overnight Friday into Saturday, has been released on bail whilst enquiries continue.

Another 54-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, has been released with no further action.

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, Head of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, said Mr Walker - known locally as Ricky - suffered fatal injuries in a lengthy attack.

He said: "Ricky Walker’s injuries were the result of a violent and sustained assault. Detectives are carrying out a detailed investigation to establish the events leading up to his death at the flat.

"To help our enquiries, we are keen to trace Ricky’s movements since the morning of Tuesday, October 18, to the time of his death on Thursday. We believe Ricky was wearing a grey cap, dark jacket and was often seen to be carrying a satchel-type bag."