THREE teenagers have denied murdering a 16-year-old boy who was stabbed to death in Stourbridge.

Joseph Riches, aged 16, died after being knifed in Coventry Street in Stourbridge town centre in July.

Nineteen-year-old Dray Simmonds of Dixons Green Road, Dixons Green, Dudley, Joshua Edgington, of Hallewell Road, Winson Green, also 19 and a 16-year-old who cannot be named, have all pleaded not guilty to murder at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

All three were remanded in custody until a trial starts in January. 

Stourbridge News: The scene of the stabbing in Coventry Street The scene of the stabbing in Coventry Street (Image: Bev Holder/Newsquest)

After being stabbed "happy and loving" Joseph, who was from Birmingham, was driven to Orchard Close, in Rowley Regis, where he was confirmed dead by the emergency services.

After his death, his mother released a statement through West Midlands Police, which said: “Joe wanted nothing more than to grow up and be a dad.

“He will never get the chance to do that now and for a mom, that is truly devastating."

A second 16-year-old defendant was absent from the hearing and is yet to give any plea.