TWO men are to stand trial charged with the murder of a pensioner after a fire at his home in 2009.

Martin Olej, of Bearsden, East Dunbartonshire, and Iain Starrett, from Port Glasgow, made their first public appearance in the dock yesterday at the High Court in Glasgow.

The duo – both aged 21 – are accused of killing John McCulloch at the 69-year-old's property in West Barmoss Avenue, Port Glasgow, on August 14, 2009.

It is alleged Mr McCulloch was assaulted and left on the floor unconscious or unable to help himself.

The two accused are said to have then poured lighter fluid onto the carpet and lit it causing a fire.

Olej also faces a charge that he stole various items.