The family of a homeless man who was allegedly murdered on his first night on the streets have spoken of their devastation at his loss.

Giles Metcalfe died in a fire in the stairwell of a car park in Torrington Road, Tunbridge Wells, last Tuesday.

Two men have since been charged with his murder.

In a statement released today, his family said: "We are devastated and shocked at what has happened to Giles and the way he has died. Giles was loved very much by family and friends. He was kind at heart and very generous.

"Giles loved all animals and will be missed by all that knew him in and out of his workplace. He is at rest now and we ask that our privacy is respected at this difficult time."

Earlier today, a judge ordered a psychiatric report to establish whether one of two men accused of killing Mr Metcalfe is fit to plead.

James Marshall-Gunn did not appear at Maidstone Crown Court this morning after Judge Philip Statman heard he was suffering from severe mental illness and had not received medication for the past week.

The 29-year-old former computer engineer, of Hadlow Road, Tonbridge, was charged with murder along with Dean Lewis, 34, of no fixed address, who appeared at the same court on Monday.

Early post-mortem examination results suggest 43-year-old Mr Metcalfe, who was spending his first night homeless, died after a fire.

The court heard a bottle of accelerant was used to start the blaze and the attack had no obvious motive. Mr Metcalfe's body was found by firefighters.

Both defendants will next appear on May 4 to enter pleas, by which date a psychiatric report on Marshall-Gunn will have been served to the court.

If there is a trial it is likely to take place in September.