Two youths have denied murdering a footballer in south London during the lockdown.

Francois Kablan, 19, from Bermondsey, was allegedly attacked in the street, following a confrontation with two males armed with weapons, including a Samurai sword.

The victim, who played for Harlow Town reserves, was pronounced dead at the scene on a residential estate in Great Dover Street in Southwark, south London, on Wednesday May 13.

The cause of death was found to be a wound to the chest.

On Wednesday, a 17-year-old appeared in the dock of the Old Bailey and pleaded not guilty to murder.

His 15-year-old co-defendant denied the same charge via video-link from HMP Cookham Wood.

Judge Mark Lucraft QC set a provisional three-week trial for January 4 2021.

He said it was the earliest date that could be accommodated at the Old Bailey.

The judge also fixed a further hearing for September 16.

Members of Mr Kablan's family sat in court for the hearing, which was partially held virtually.

The defendants were remanded into custody.