Alexander Lewis-Ranwell: Man denies murdering three pensioners

Anthony Payne, 80, and twins Dick and Roger Carter, both 84, were found dead at their homes

A man has denied murdering three pensioners in their 80s earlier this year.

Alexander Lewis-Ranwell, 28, from Croyde, north Devon, pleaded not guilty over the deaths of 80-year-old Anthony Payne and twins Dick and Roger Carter, 84, on 10 February.

Dressed in a grey jumper and jeans, Mr Lewis-Ranwell spoke only to confirm his name and his pleas during the opening of his case at Exeter Crown Court on Monday.

A jury of eight men and four women has been sworn in to hear the case.

Trial judge Mrs Justice May told the jury the case was due to last two weeks but could go into a third week.

The scene in Bonhay Road, Exeter, Devon, where the body of Anthony Payne, 80, was discovered on 11 February, 2019. (Ben Birchall/PA Wire)

The trial was adjourned until Wednesday and Mr Lewis-Ranwell was remanded in custody.

Mr Payne was found dead at his home in Bonhay Road, Exeter, on 11 February this year.

The Carter brothers were found dead the following day at the home they shared in Cowick Lane about a mile and a half away.

Additional reporting by agencies.