Two brothers convicted of murder

Larry Morrison and Michael Morrison face life in jail

Two brothers have been convicted of murdering a 17-year-old student in east London, amid claims that jurors were subjected to intimidation at the trial.

Bienda Litambola was beaten to death with a dog chain in Canning Town, after a row over his girlfriend in November.

Larry Morrison, 23, and Michael Morrison, 21, both of Victoria Docks, east London, face life in jail.

The judge in the case ordered a police inquiry after three jury members were allegedly intimidated near court.

The brothers were found guilty by a majority of 10 to two. Sentencing will take place on Wednesday.

Jurors heard how Bienda was beaten until he passed out.

The 17-year-old student was beaten to death with a dog chain

The court heard how the Morrison brothers only ran off when they were spotted by the driver of a 241 bus and he hooted his horn.

One of the attackers was heard to say to Bienda, as he lay bleeding on the ground: "That's what you get, you deserved it."

The victim's mother broke down in tears as the verdicts were returned and collapsed as she left the courtroom.

The trial was nearly halted when jurors were asked whether they felt able to continue after being approached by members of the public gallery at St Paul's Tube station.

CCTV footage

The judge quoted from a note from the jury which read: "They adjusted their pace to come closer to us. We deliberately went to a different escalator to avoid interaction.

"On the way down one of the group made an indirect comment which included the phrase 'hope you can sleep at night'. It was clearly directed at our group."

Following the verdict, Judge Richard Hawkins said: "There should be an inquiry as to the approach to members of the jury."

Police have now seized CCTV footage from the station and will be given the names of jurors so they can investigate what happened.