An Ilford man is set to go on trial accused of the manslaughter of Barking cash and carry owner Shammi Atwal.

Ahmed Hatimi, 30, of Richmond Road, Ilford, denied manslaughter and conspiracy to rob when he appeared at the Old Bailey on Thursday.

He was released on bail ahead of his trial, which is due to begin on April 27.

Mr Atwal, from Chigwell, was killed in October last year when a group of robbers entered his River Road store armed with sledgehammers and metal bars.

He gave chase but during a struggle was pushed under the wheels of a HGV.

Six men were jailed for their involvement in Mr Atwal’s death following a trial at the Old Bailey earlier this ear.

The group were handed jail terms totalling more than 70 years by a judge at the Old Bailey in June after being found guilty of manslaughter and conspiracy to rob.