A provisional trial date has been set for two men accused of murdering a “loving” and “kind” 25-year-old.

Jacob Curtis and Kaydon Prior were charged with the murder of Harrison Tomkins, who was stabbed to death at a flat in Crawley.

Harrison, from Three Bridges, was described as a “loving, kind, humorous and precious son and older brother”.

Curtis, 22, from Kent, and Prior, 23, from Crawley, both wore grey jumpers when they appeared at Hove Crown Court this afternoon and spoke to confirm their name.

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Harrison was stabbed multiple times in a flat in Arthur Road, Crawley, on August 13 at around 5.30am.

In a statement, his family said: "Harrison was a loving, kind, humorous and precious son and older brother.

"He will be sorely missed by so many.

“His unwavering ability to see the good in others was key to his core values and this shone through in everything he did.

“In the short time Harrison has been with us he has made a wide-reaching positive impact – not only to his family and friends but also his work colleagues and everyone he knew.

“As a family we would like to especially thank Sussex Police and the other emergency services for acting so quickly. This swift action will hopefully bring justice for Harrison.

“We would also like to thank all our family and friends for the immense love and support we have been surrounded with at this horrendous time.”

Neither defendant indicated a plea.

Judge Jeremy Gold set a plea hearing for October 27 and a provisional trial date of January 15, 2024.

The trial is expected to last three weeks.

Both men were remanded in custody.

Sussex Police DCI Emma Vickers said: “This is a truly tragic incident and our thoughts are with Harrison’s family at this difficult time.

“We would like to reassure the public that we are treating this as a targeted attack with no threat to the wider community, and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

“The public can expect to see an increased police presence in the area as we conduct our enquiries."