FIVE men accused of murder have today made their first appearance before a judge.

The group are alleged to have killed Steven Willis, 27, in Middlesbrough on Monday.

Judge Simon Bourne-Arton, QC, set an expected trial date in October.

Teesside Crown Court heard today that the men are likely to deny the allegations.

The five Middlesbrough men are Dominic John Pickering, 22, of Grinkle Avenue, Park End; Jack Cross, 21, of Olney Walk, Park End; Jahmal Weaver, 21, of Rounton Green, Berwick Hills; Kieran Thomas Ibitson, 20, of Beresford Crescent, Thorntree; Mark Andrew Pickering, 31, of Greenham Close, Thorntree.

Dominic Pickering, Cross and Weaver are also charged with two counts of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.