Anthony Tirado (24), of Ballerat Crescent, Top Valley; Dion Griffin (34), of Hogan Gardens, Top Valley; and David Stokes (27), of Collindale Road, Birmingham, appeared at Nottingham Crown Court to plead not guilty to the charge.

They are alleged to have killed Bernard Langton, who died from a gunshot wound at the Paris nightclub on Broadway in Nottingham city centre.

Mr Langton was found dying in an alleyway in the Lace Market area in the early hours of Bank Holiday Monday, May 25.

The father of two young children was discovered near the Pitcher And Piano pub off High Pavement. He was treated by paramedics at the scene but died on his way to hospital.

A fourth man, Andrew Pleasance (33), of Neston Drive, Bulwell, is accused of assisting an offender in relation to Mr Langton's death. He too denies the charge.

The case has now been adjourned until the start of a trial at the crown court on Tuesday May 4.