A MURDER accused pair who are charged with killing 28-year-old Anthony Collins with a ligature in a Port Glasgow flat have been fully committed for trial.

Daniel Langman, 46, and Anthony McGovern, 35, appeared separately via video link from prison at Greenock Sheriff Court.

The two men will now remain locked up on remand prior to the next calling of the case at the High Court — the date of which is to be confirmed.

Prosecutors say that Langman and McGovern acted together to assault Mr Collins by means presently unknown at Langman's home on the Port's Mackie Avenue on Sunday May 16.

It is further alleged that they 'did place a ligature around his neck and did murder him'.

McGovern, of Victoria Road, Dunoon, and Langman made no plea through lawyers Terry Gallanagh and Ian Seivewright during private proceedings before Sheriff Michael Higgins.

Deceased Mr Collins' devastated family last week paid an emotional tribute to him, describing him as having 'a heart of gold'.

In a statement released through Police Scotland, the family said: "We are beyond heartbroken as a family and cannot put in to words the impact this has had on us all.

"Life will never be the same without him."

Police were called to Mackie Avenue at around 3.30pm on May 16 and later announced that a man had been pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Inspector Nikki Wake, Greenock CID said: "Our investigation remains ongoing and our thoughts at this time are with Tony's family and friends.

"I'd ask anyone who can help with our ongoing investigation into this incident to contact officers via 101 and quote incident number 2289 of May 16."