Pair plead not guilty to murder of male model

Two men have denied the murder of a 25-year-old model who was stabbed to death.

Harry Uzoka was found mortally injured in Old Oak Road, Shepherd's Bush, west London, on the afternoon of January 11.

Merse Dikanda, 23, of no fixed abode, and Jonathan Okigbo, 23, of Camden, north London, appeared before the Old Bailey where they denied murder.

Dikanda also denied having a cosh, on the day of the killing and having a knife on January 25.

A third defendant George Koh, 24, Camden, did not enter a plea to a charge of murder and two counts of having an offensive weapon on January 11.

All three defendants were remanded into custody before their four-week trial on July 9.

Tributes were paid to the model following his death, with clothing retailer Everlane tweeting: "We're deeply saddened to hear about Harry Uzoka's passing.

"He was a wonderful model but even more so a good person and a pleasure to work with.

"There's so much more behind the person you've seen in our campaigns.

"Thank you, Harry, for being such a great person. Rest in peace."

Model Jourdan Dunn posted a photo of Mr Uzoka on Twitter, with the caption: "Rest in Paradise Young King."