The two Haringey men have denied murder

Two Haringey men accused of stabbing a gang rival to death in front of horrified West End shoppers on Boxing Day have denied murder.

Thulani Khumalo, 20, and Jermaine Joseph, 23, are said to have knifed Seydou Diarrassouba in the heart after clashing near sportswear store Foot Locker, Oxford Street, at about 1.45pm on December 26 last year.

The 18-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.

Khumalo, of Eade Road, South Tottenham, and Joseph, of Conway Road, Harringay, appeared via videolink for a brief hearing at the Old Bailey today, during which they spoke only to confirm their names and to enter formal not guilty pleas to a single charge of murder.

A trial, expected to last up to six weeks, has already been set for October 15.

They have been remanded in custody.