A FOURTH man has appeared in court charged over the deaths of three friends killed during the riots.

Ian Beckford was before Birmingham magistrates and faced three charges of murder.

Beckford, 30, of Hollybush Grove, Quinton, is accused of killing brothers Shazad Ali, 20, and Abdul Musavir, 31, and their friend Haroon Jahan, 21, on August 10.

The men died after being hit by a car as they allegedly tried to protect premises during the riots.

Beckford, who did not enter a plea, was remanded in custody to appear at Birmingham Crown Court either tomorrow or Monday.