TWO men have faced a court via video link charged with the ‘brutal’ murder of Donald Fraser-Rennie.

The 33-year-old’s body was found at a flat in Crebilly Road in the Ballykeel estate, Ballymena, on Wednesday.

Samuel Hugh Atcheson, 33, from Crebilly Road, and Stephen Hunter, 29, from Lanntara in the town, were remanded in custody.

Police said the victim had been subjected to a “vicious, sustained and violent” attack.

A detective constable told Ballymena Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Belfast, that police believe they can connect both accused to the charges.

One of the suspects asked, through his solicitor, for a second autopsy report to be carried out on the deceased man.

There was no application for bail.

Both men are expected to appear in court again via video link on 29 October.