Two men today denied murdering a Pokemon Go fan at a shopping centre.

John Dickson, 27, and 20-year-old Christopher Pollard entered the pleas at Maidstone Crown Court by video link with Elmley Prison, Sheppey.

They are alleged to have killed Carl Gregory in a car park near Westwood Cross, Broadstairs, on Tuesday, October 4.

Mr Gregory, 20, was fatally injured at The Link shopping centre near Westwood Cross. Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene just after 10pm, but his life could not be saved.

An earlier hearing was told he suffered choking and kicks while on the ground before becoming unconscious. He was said to have Asperger’s syndrome.

Dickson, of Northdown Road, Cliftonville, and Pollard, of Brimstone Hill, Meopham, will stand trial on March 6 next year.

Judge Adele Williams said an alternative charge of manslaughter would be added to the indictment.

A pre-trial review will be held on February 3. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Dickson and Polard were remanded in custody.

Shortly after Mr Gregory’s death, his grieving family paid tribute to a loving son, grandson and brother.

He was said to have loved Pokémon Go, but it was stressed that the popular game played no part in his death.

The family said in a statement: “Carl was a loving son, brother and grandson who was a typical 20-year-old who enjoyed gaming, modern technology and Pokémon Go.

“We would like to reiterate that contrary to media reports, Pokémon Go cannot be attributed to his death.

“Carl will be greatly missed by family and friends and we are still in a position where we are trying to come to terms with his death, and as such we would request some privacy at this difficult time.”