Samuel Johnson and Andre Sampson, both from London, are due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court today.

They have been accused of stabbing to death Richard Bateman, 45, and Matthew Stacey, 31 in Gosport last Friday in what police say was a drug-related killing.

Johnson, of Newham, and Sampson, of Empress Street, Greater London, were charged by detectives late last night.

A 27-year-old Gosport man, who was also arrested after the murders, has been released without charge.

Detective Superintendent Sara Glen, who led the investigation, said: 'This is a particularly violent murder on Matthew and Richard who are both local Gosport men, the motive for the attack is drugs related.

'The investigation team has been very well supported by the community who have provided a wealth of evidence and intelligence in respect of this investigation.

'We are very grateful for their assistance, support and tolerance in this investigation, as several of our crime scenes caused disruption to community life.

'Both family and friends have been devastated by the news and are being supported by specially trained police officers.

'Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Richard and Matthew at this time.'

Mr Stacey and Mr Bateman were at a house in Alma Street at 6.50am on Friday when the attack happened.

It is thought Mr Stacey went to open the door to a caller and was stabbed in the back as he tried to flee. He died in the street after stumbling a few short yards to the junction with Forton Road.

Friends have told The News that Mr Bateman - also known as 'Rich the Pill' or RTP - was apparently stabbed to death in his bed.

The families of both the victims have today paid tribute to their loved ones.

Mr Stacey's mum, Brenda, of Sydney Road, Gosport, said: 'What words can you actually say when your son has been murdered?

'Matthew meant everything to us and I loved everything about him.

'We are a close family and at our happiest when we are all here
together. We were looking forward to a family holiday in a couple of weeks but now we're trying to come to terms with the fact that our son is gone and we're never going to see him again.

'His father and I are devastated; I don't think we'll ever get over this.

'My only comfort is reading and hearing all the tributes from the people who knew him.'

Dad Ken added: 'I can't speak about what has happened to my son or how I feel about it; I'll break down if I try.

'I love him so much and I am so proud of him.'

Richard Bateman's brother, David Bateman, added: 'It is so difficult for us all coming to terms with this unexpected loss.

'He will be missed so terribly by his family and friends and our thoughts also go to the family and friends of Matthew Stacey.
'This is a very difficult time for us all.'


The sister of murdered Matthew Stacey today told how life 'would never be the same' following his death.

Rachel Stacey said: 'Matt was more than a brother to me; we had a strong bond and went everywhere together.

'I was really proud of him.

'He was extremely popular and had a wide but close-knit group of friends.

'He would do anything for those he cared about and he was a really loyal friend.

'He loved socialising and playing pool and darts, and he was a keen fisherman.

'He introduced me to my partner, one of his best mates, and the two of them often went fishing together.

'We are a close family and life will never be the same without Matt.

'I've lost a huge part of me and I can't imagine ever going out without him. I feel so empty. Words just can't describe how much we are going to miss him.'