A 25-year-old man today appeared in court and denied the murder of a Shrewsbury man at a flat in the town.

Wayne Austin appeared at Stafford Crown Court charged with the murder of Paul Wayne Rugg in January. Austin, dressed in a blue shirt and denim jeans, was flanked by two security guards during the brief court hearing before Judge Simon Tonking.

He will face trial at the same court on October 25.

Austin, of Claverley Crescent, Harlescott, was remanded in custody following the hearing.

Police said Mr Rugg, 52, was found with stab wounds at his home in Kynaston Road on January 6 at about 6.15pm.

Paramedics alerted police and he was taken to the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, but was confirmed dead shortly after arriving.

About 50 officers have been involved in the investigation into his death, led by Detective Chief Inspector Lee Davenport, of the Major Incident Unit, and Detective Inspector Ernie Locke, who is based at Shrewsbury.

Earlier this month Mr John Ellery, coroner for North and Mid West Shropshire, opened and ad-journed an inquest on Mr Rugg at Royal Shrewsbury Hospital.

The inquest was adjourned until criminal proceedings are finished.

A cordon was set up around the block of flats at the time of the incident and officers launched an appeal for witnesses. Neighbours expressed shock when the street became the focus of investigations.

Mr Rugg used to be a “prominent figure” at the White Hart pub, which was in Mardol but has since closed.

Residents described him as a “friendly bloke” who was well known in the block of flats where he lived.

The court hearing today came as Mr Rugg’s funeral was held at Emstrey Crematorium in Shrewsbury.

Family and friends dressed in Manchester United tops or red and black in tribute to Mr Rugg, who was an avid supporter of the Premier League club.

Donations made at the funeral will go to the British Heart Foundation.

By Russell Roberts and Andrew Morris