TWO men have been charged with the murder of a 21-year-old in Brighton.

Kitchen workers Francesco Dagostino, 44, of Stafford Road, Brighton and Giuseppe Petriccione, 45, of no fixed address, will appear at Brighton Magistrates' Court this morning.

Police were called to a flat in Stafford Road at 1.58am on Wednesday after a report of disturbance. Officers forced entry and found a man with serious injuries.

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, but was pronounced dead at 3.53am. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Geldart, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, who is leading the enquiry, said: "At this time, my thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man who has sadly lost his life. I would like to thank the local community for their patience and support of the investigation, which has involved significant police presence in the area.”

Stafford Road has now reopened. Police are appealing for anyone who has any information which may assist the investigation to report online or call 101 quoting Operation Barnfield.