A MAN stabbed to death has been named as police try to piece together why he was killed.

Serxhio Marku’s family in Albania were told about his death as two Italian men appeared in court charged with his murder.

Chef Francesco D’Agostino, 44, who lives in Stafford Road, Brighton and fellow Italian kitchen worker Giuseppe Petriccione, 45, appeared in court on Saturday.

Petriccione – who does not speak English – and hails from Arienzo, near Naples – was assisted during the brief hearing at Brighton Magistrates’ Court by an interpreter.

He wore a grey prison tracksuit as he made his appearance in the dock.

His wife and friends were in the public gallery during the short hearing.

D’Agostino – also dressed in a prison tracksuit – appeared in a separate hearing in the same court.

Both men were remanded in custody to appear at Lewes Crown Court today.

Police said Serxhio’s family were being supported by specially trained officers as they come to terms with his death.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Geldart, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, who is leading the enquiry, said: “ At this time, my thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man who has sadly lost his life.

“I would like to thank the local community for their patience and support of the investigation, which has involved a significant police presence in the area.”

Neighbours in Stafford Road described their shock over the crime.

One resident said: “This has been a shock because it is a quiet area.

“Police have been knocking on doors.

“I heard the helicopter at 2.30am and looked out of my window to see what was going on.

“They were knocking on everyone’s door.”

Officers were called shortly before 2am to Stafford Road, Brighton, on Wednesday. They forced the front door to reach Serxhio, 21, who had multiple wounds.

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, where he was then pronounced dead at 3.50am.

Stafford Road was cordoned off and through traffic was blocked.

Anyone with information should call 101 and quote Operation Barnfield.