Northampton: Teenagers charged with murder of 16-year-old

Two teenage boys, aged 14 and 16, have appeared in court charged with the murder of a 16-year-old who was stabbed to death in Northampton.

Rohan Shand, known to his family and friends as Fred, died in Kingsthorpe, at about 15:35 GMT on Wednesday.

The two teenagers, who cannot be named for legal reasons appeared at Northampton Magistrates' Court.

They were remanded in youth detention accommodation and will next appear at Northampton Crown Court on Monday.

A 49-year-old man and a 21-year-old man who were arrested in connection with Rohan's death have both been released with no further action, Northamptonshire Police said.

The boy's family were said to be "devastated" at his death, which happened on Harborough Road, close to the junction with The Cock Hotel.

A post-mortem examination indicated the teenager died from a single stab wound to the chest.

Northamptonshire Police said specially trained officers were supporting the boy's family.

Officers have said they would still like to speak to witnesses, anyone with information, or anyone with CCTV, doorbell, or dashcam footage of the area at the time.

Helen Freeman, who lives in Kingsthorpe, said her son had been friends with Mr Shand and described him as "funny" and very popular.

"It's devastating to see your child so upset. I don't think I've seen my son cry as much as he did last night, but his mates have been there for him," she said.

An online appeal to raise money towards the funeral has already collected more that £19,000.

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