TWO boys charged with the murder of a 13-year-old have been remanded into secure accommodation until a plea hearing early next month.

Jahziah Coke died at his home in Oldbury last Thursday despite the efforts of paramedics.

His alleged killers, who cannot be identified because of their age, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court via video-link on Thursday (September 5) charged with his murder.

Both teenagers were told to sit up by the judge at the start of the hearing, and spoke to confirm their names, that they had spoken to their lawyers and that they could hear the proceedings.

Judge Rupert Mayo told the boys they would next appear on October 1 for a plea and trial preparation hearing.

Neither youth made a bail application before the judge told them: "This is a case that is almost certainly to be tried before a High Court Judge.

"I have made certain orders that your lawyers will explain to you. The trial will take place some time early next year.

"There will be a further hearing at the Crown Court on October 1."

At the end of the hearing, around a dozen people sitting in the public gallery waved towards one of the monitors showing the defendants.

A man aged in his 40s who has been charged with assisting an offender between August 29 and September 1 appeared separately at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on Tuesday and indicated a plea of not guilty.

He was remanded into custody to appear for a plea and trial preparation hearing at Birmingham Crown Court on October 1.

He also cannot be named for legal reasons.

In a tribute released through West Midlands Police, Jahziah's family said he was a "very polite, kind and family-orientated young man", adding: "He was very loving and always smiling.

"His smile would light up the room. He was very kind-hearted."