Two teenagers have today denied murdering a homeless man.

Charlie White and Alex Macdonald, both 18, are accused with Jimmy Buckley, also known as Penfold, of killing Razvan Sirbu after his body was found in the Loose Valley Conservation Area on May 7.

They are alleged to have committed the offence between May 5 and 7.

A post mortem examination found he died from "blunt force trauma" to the head and body.

White, previously of Quarry Road, Maidstone, and Macdonald, of Regency Place, Maidstone, appeared at Maidstone Crown Court by video link with Elmley Prison.

Buckley, 20, of Capell Close, Coxheath , appeared in the dock but was not asked to enter a plea at the request of his lawyer.

Judge Adele Williams ordered a report on his mental health by August 31.

A trial date has been set for December 12. A pre-trial review will be held on November 24.

All three were remanded in custody.

Originally from Lasi in Romania, Mr Sirbu was thought to have previously lived in the Gravesend area and been an agency worker for 24-7 Employment Solutions.

He had been a visitor to Maidstone Day Centre in Knightrider Street.

Locals said he had been living in the tent on Tovil Hill close to the busy B2010.

Two boys aged 14 and 15 continue to be on police bail in connection with the matter.