Two men and a woman charged with the murder of a 47-year-old man from Stevenage have been held in custody after making their first appearance at St Albans Crown Court today.

Mark Altabas died in hospital after being stabbed in Angle Ways, Shephall, during the early hours of last Thursday.

Robert Crook, 57, and Katie Holmes, 43, both from Long Leaves in Stevenage, and 18-year-old Destao Pedro, from Walthamstow, all appeared at St Albans Crown Court today charged with his murder.

The trio have been remanded in custody to reappear at the same court on July 18.

Two others who were arrested in connection with the case remain on police bail.