TWO suspects have appeared at the crown court for the first time after a man died from a stab wound.

A preliminary hearing took place at Reading Crown Court on November 12, with Oliver Allerton and Victoria Quinton both being remanded in custody.

Allerton, 27, of no fixed abode, will appear at the same court next month for a plea and pre-trial preparation hearing.

It is in connection with the death of Zelous Smythe, who was found injured by police on Nine Mile Ride, Crowthorne, on November 5.

Quinton, 20, of Helmsdale in Crown Wood, Bracknell, and Allerton were charged with one count of murder by police on November 9 and appeared at Reading Crown Court for a preliminary hearing.

Despite the efforts of paramedics, the 27-year-old from Camberley was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cause of his death was revealed as a single stab wound to his chest, following the post mortem examination conducted by the Home Office.

A major investigation was launched by Thames Valley Police and the road was closed for several hours while investigating officers carried out enquiries.

The court confirmed that Allerton will appear on December 7 via video link.