Two men charged with the murder of Nicky Gordon remain in custody as prosecutors await forensic results, Belfast Magistrates' Court has been told.

Mr Gordon, 51, was attacked at his apartment on Holywood Road in east Belfast on 12 May and died in the Royal Victoria Hospital four days later.

Christopher Colin Nobes, 31, and Andrew John Matthews, 25, both of no fixed abode, are charged with murder, aggravated burglary with intent to inflict grievous bodily harm, stealing a bank card and mobile phone, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear of violence, and making threats to kill two women.

The court heard Mr Gordon was targeted after a series of incidents in east Belfast in the days before the attack. Witness and CCTV evidence indicated the two accused went to another flat in the complex before forcing entry to Mr Gordon's home.

During the alleged attack, a brush shaft was used to assault the victim and a television was thrown from a window. A senior detective said the men later returned to the first flat, bragged about what had happened and threatened witnesses.

A fingerprint attributed to Nobes was found on a door frame at the apartment. Both men were arrested in Scotland and returned to Northern Ireland for questioning and charging.

At the latest hearing, prosecution barrister Mark Conlon said work on the case file continues but police are waiting for forensic results, with no timescale available. Defence solicitor Mark Austin pressed for more information on outstanding material but none was provided.

Deputy District Judge Gerard Trainor adjourned the case until next week, when bail applications are expected.