TWO 16-year-old boys have denied murdering a man in Christchurch.

Emergency services were called to a property in Heath Road, Walkford, shortly before 8pm on January 4 after police received reports of concern for the welfare of a man inside.

Officers attended the address and found the body of 35-year-old Edward Reeve.

The two defendants have both charged with murder “on or around” December 31, 2021.

The teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons because of their age, appeared at Winchester Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on Wednesday, April 20.

The boys, from Christchurch and Bournemouth, pleaded not guilty to murder.

The case is to be tried before a High Court judge at Winchester Crown Court starting on Monday, June 27, with a pre-trial review due to take place on Wednesday, June 13.

Both defendants were remanded in custody by the judge ahead of the next hearing.

Following Mr Reeve's death, shocked neighbours told the Daily Echo he was friendly and a "lovely lad".

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