Bonfire murder: Boy, 13, in court

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The teenager has been charged with killing Stephen Croft, 34, whose body was found in the embers of a bonfire in Birkenhead, Merseyside, in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

On Friday morning the boy's mother wiped away tears as she attended her son's court appearance along with a social worker and a representative from the Wirral Youth Offending Team.

The tall, well-built youngster sat impassive in the dock, dressed in jeans and a blue striped jumper.

He has also been charged with robbing Mr Croft of tobacco, cigarette papers and a lighter.

He made no pleas, spoke only to confirm his name and address, and will reappear at Wirral Magistrates' Court on December 7.

He was remanded into secure local authority accommodation.

As the boy, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was led from court, he turned to his mother, with whom he lives in Birkenhead, and said: "See you, Mum, I love you."

A 19-year-old man and a 17-year-old boy who were also arrested on suspicion of murdering Mr Croft have been released on police bail pending further inquiries.