Two teenagers are facing a murder charge after a father died from stab wounds suffered in a brawl in Gillingham on New Year's Day.

Stuart Porter, 18, and a 17-year-old youth, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, had been charged with wounding David Young with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.

But Edmund Burge, prosecuting, told a judge at Maidstone Crown Court today both teenagers would in due course be charged with murder.

Dad-of-two Mr Young, of Beatty Avenue, Gillingham, was stabbed in the thigh as two groups of men clashed in Windmill Road in the early hours of January 1.

The 28-year-old builder, pictured left, remained critically ill in intensive care in Medway Maritime Hospital and died on Saturday.

Mr Young, who attended Robert Napier School, had been walking home with friends after a night out at the Casino Rooms, in Rochester, when the trouble started.

Mr Burge said another man was recovering from being stabbed during the incident and charges were being considered in respect of him.

Porter, of Buttermere Close, Gillingham, and his co-accused, from Strood, will return to court on March 21 to enter pleas. A provisional trial date was set for June 24.

Judge Jeremy Carey refused a bail application by Porter and he and the other teenager were remanded in custody.

Friends have donated hundreds of pounds to a fund set up to help his partner Kirsty Bryant and their two daughters financially.