TWO men have denied murdering a Leominster pawnbroker before a crown court judge.

Gareth Powell, aged 28, and Robert Field, 22, both of The Grove, Shobdon, were both remanded in custody at Worcester Crown Court.

George Black, aged 41, of The Square, Bucknell, died after an alleged arson attack at his home on December 8 last year.

Also in the dock were three members of the same family.

Daughter Sylvia Marie Smith, 22, who is seven months pregnant, denied conspiracy to murder.

She, along with her mother Sylvia Jane Smith, 41, and father Steven Smith, 45, also pleaded not guilty to perverting the course of justice by making false statements to police.

The trio, who live together in Cherrybrook Close, Hope-under-Dinmore, were granted bail by Judge Robert Juckes QC.

The trial, estimated to last six weeks, is scheduled to begin at Worcester on October 6 before High Court judge Mr Justice Roderick Evans.

Sylvia Jane Smith is under an electronically-monitored overnight curfew and must report to police twice-weekly.

Her parents were ordered not to contact any prosecution witnesses. The case will be prosecuted by Rachel Brand QC.

Mr Black had a shop in Corn Square, Leominster. He was taken to hospital in Liverpool where he died on December 10.