Two men have denied murder and attempted murder following the death of a man in a suspected ‘hit and run’.

Shaun and Martin Breeze are both charged with the murder of Brian Darby and the attempted murder of three other people.

The 60-year-old died after an incident was reported in the Myton Way/Rings area of Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, on Friday, February, 9, at around 9.30pm.

Brian DarbyBrian Darby (Image: Contributor)

It is understood Mr Darby, who had a background in IT, was a project manager with the RSPB and lived in Ingleby Barwick.

Martin Breeze, 56, of Irthing Close, Ingleby Barwick, who appeared at Teesside Crown Court via video link from prison, pleaded not guilty to 11 charges.

He denied the murder of Mr Darby, the manslaughter of Mr Darby, four charges of attempted murder, four charges of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent

Photograph of the scene from Friday, February 9Photograph of the scene from Friday, February 9 (Image: TERRY BLACKBURN)

Shaun Breeze, 29, of Owls Grove, Ingleby Barwick, also appeared in court via a video link and pleaded not guilty to the same set of charges.

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They are also charged with an additional offence of perverting the course of justice which they both deny.

A provisional trial date has been listed for July 8 and both men were remanded in custody.

Mr Darby’s family released a statement through Cleveland Police following his death, they said: “We are completely heartbroken at the sudden loss of our beautiful Brian. Nobody could ever understand just how much he meant to us all.

“He was special in so many ways. He was an absolute gentleman who cared so much about people. He always made time for us; nothing was ever too much trouble for him."