The man accused of murdering Luke Alexander in South Molton last year has been found not guilty.

Curt Rothery was cleared of all charges against him by a jury at Exeter Crown Court.

Rothery, 20, of Barnstaple Street, South Molton, had denied murdering Luke Alexander last August.

He had also denied wounding Luke's twin brother Mark with intent to cause grievous bodily.

The jury returned not guilty verdicts shortly before 1pm today.

Mr Rothery showed little emotion as the not guilty verdicts were read out.

But his father Bryan burst into tears in the courtroom.

The jury also cleared Curt Rothery of two alternative charges of manslaughter and unlawful wounding.

The prosecution had alleged that Rothery stabbed Luke, of Hugh Squier Avenue, South Molton, in a revenge attack.

The twins, nicknamed the Biscuit Boys, were 22 at the time of the alleged incident.

But Curt Rothery said he had acted in self defence after Luke, Mark and a third man broke into his bedsit armed with broken broom handles.

Curt Rothery later told police he had poked the twins with one knife but had not put any force into it.