Two men accused of kicking to death a coffee shop worker both blamed each other for starting the violence, a court heard.

Seph Lawrance, 22, who worked for Costa Coffee at Gatwick, was found dying on a footpath in Goffs Park, Crawley.

Andrew Goss, 24, and Aadeel Virani, 21, have both denied murdering Mr Lawrance and stealing his mobile at a trial at Lewes Crown Court.

The jury heard yesterday when police arrested the two men days after the fatal attack in January both gave conflicting accounts of what happened.

Virani, of Jewel Walk, Crawley, told detectives his friend Goss chased after Mr Lawrance and tripped him up, forcing him to the ground.

As Mr Lawrance cried out for help, according to Virani, Goss started kicking him and stamping on him.

Virani told detectives trouble flared when Goss demanded Mr Lawrance give him a cigarette as they passed him in Goffs Lane.

When Mr Lawrance, who was walking through the park to visit a friend, refused, Goss allegedly started chasing after him.

After about 20 yards, Goss caught up with Mr Lawrance and tripped him up. When he fell to the ground, Goss allegedly kicked his victim seven or eight times and stamped on his head about five times.

Virani claimed Mr Lawrance was "shouting out for help."

Goss, of Monarch Close, Crawley, claimed Virani's account was all lies.

He told police a fight started between his friend, Virani, and Mr Lawrance but he had no idea what triggered the violence.

He said when Mr Lawrance, who was receiving medical treatment for being underweight, got the better of Virani, he stepped in and punched Mr Lawrance twice in the face in order to protect his friend.

Goss said he walked away because the two men did not look like they wanted the fight to stop. He said he knew Virani would not stop because he was like an "animal" when he lost his temper. He said seconds later Virani caught up with him further along the path. He said neither of them said anything about the confrontation with Mr Lawrance.

The court has heard Mr Lawrance described as a shy man who belonged to an organisation dedicated to performing good deeds for others.

The trial continues.