Two men appeared in court today charged with the murder of a father-of-two.

George Deer, 42, was allegedly stabbed to death on the doorstep of his home last month.

His body lay undiscovered inside the hall just yards from the open front door for several hours after the attack on March 17.

He was found by a neighbour who called police after seeing the door of the flat in Willow Gardens, Hurstpierpoint, ajar.

Craig Clarke, 32, of Albany Road, West Green, Crawley, and James Smith, of Willow Gardens, Hurstpierpoint, were later charged with murder.

They appeared at Hove Crown Court for a preliminary hearing today.

Neither men spoke or entered a plea during the ten minute appearance.

Judge Anthony Scott-Gall remanded both men in custody until June 8, when a date is expected to be set for their trial.