A man has denied murdering a 19-year-old footballer who was stabbed in Rettendon in March.

Mihal Dobrev, 37, of East Hanningfield Road, Rettendon, pleaded not guilty to murder at Chelmsford Crown Court today.

Denis Petkov died after being stabbed at an address in East Hanningfield Road just before midnight on Saturday, March 11.

A post mortem revealed he died from a single stab wound to his neck.

Mr Dobrev appeared via video link from HMP Chelmsford and spoke through a Bulgarian translator.

A decision to bring charges against a 21-year-old man from Chelmsford, who was arrested in connection with the incident, has not yet been made.

A provisional trial date was set for July 10, but Judge Patricia Lynch said the decision on charging the other person could affect that date.

Mr Petkov’s mother, Diana Petkov, paid tribute to her son following his death.

She said: “Denis was a promising footballer and ambitious sportsman who had attended The International Sport Academy in Sofia.

“He was a wonderful, good and happy boy who always had a smile on his face.

“He was loved by everyone and was the heart and soul of his group of friends.

“The whole community is grieving at the moment.

“Denis was my darling boy who filled me with pride and I am unable to describe how much I miss him.”