THE Thurrock man accused of murdering two teenage boys in Brentwood has made a second appearance in court.

Frankie Watson, 19 of Baker Street, Orsett, appeared before magistrates in Southend yesterday (Wednesday, 27 October), who referred him to Basildon Crown Court because of the serious nature of the charges.

He appeared at Basildon Crown Court today and has been charged with two counts of murder, attempted murder and possession of an offensive weapon.

The boys, both 16, who died following a disturbance in Regency Court at around 1.30am on Sunday morning (24 October) have been identified by Essex Police as Charlie Preston and Frankie Gater.

A post mortem examination has been carried out and confirmed both boys had sustained stab wounds.

The family of Charlie Preston have issued a short tribute. It reads: "Forever our Champ. Mummy and daddy love you."

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call Essex Police on 101 and cite incident 125 of October 24.