Two men have appeared before York Magistrates Court charged with murder.

Jason Mark Johnson, 26, and Philip John Watson, 34, are alleged to have killed Paul Tillet last weekend.

They were arrested after police and paramedics were called to an incident in Strawberry Dale, Harrogate, on Sunday.

Mr Tillet was declared dead at the scene.  His family have paid tribute to him, saying he was much loved. 

John and Watson spoke only to confirm their names, dates of birth and addresses during the brief hearing.

They sat in the dock in Courtroom One flanked by dock officers. Both wore gray tracksuit tops.

Magistrates heard that because the charge was murder the case could only be heard by a judge and jury at a crown court.

Solicitors Peter Minnikin for Watson and Abi Whelan for Johnson agreed with the prosecution that magistrates do not have power to grant bail in murder cases and did not make a bail application.

Johnson, of no fixed address, and Watson, of Bower Street, Harrogate, were remanded in custody and the case was sent to Leeds Crown Court.

Both will appear before a senior judge at the crown court tomorrow for a preliminary hearing.