Two of the four soldiers accused of murdering a railway worker outside a nightclub were today found not guilty after a direction from the trial judge.

Private Marc Hunter, 18, and Lance Corporal David White, 23, were both found not guilty at Bristol Crown Court of the murder of Glyne Agard, 32.

Both defendants were also cleared of violent disorder.

In addition Hunter was found not guilty of charges of grievous bodily harm with intent against Stephen Agard and Gary Belgrave.

However, the case against Private Wayne King, 20, and Thomas Myers, 20, continues.

Private Wayne King, 20, is from Middlesbrough, while Thomas Myers, 20 and Marc Hunter, 18, are both from Hartlepool,. Lance Corporal David White, 23, is from Stockton.

John Royce QC, prosecuting, said: ''In relation to the cases of Mr Hunter and Mr White there is no further lay evidence that is going to be called in the case and we have come to the conclusion that the evidence against them is insufficiently strong to justify the Crown from continuing the case further against them.

''In those circumstances it is our duty to offer no further evidence.''

Mr Justice Steel told the jury: ''In these circumstances it falls to me to direct you to return a verdict of not guilty in relation to Mr Hunter and Mr White.''

They both deny charges of murder of Glyne Agard and causing both Stephen Agard and Gary Belgrave grievous bodily harm with intent, and a further charge of violent disorder.

Updated: 15.10 Friday, May 18