TWO teenagers have pleaded guilty to killing a middle-aged man.

A 17-year-old from Runcorn, and a 15-year-old from Orford, pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of David Atherton.

Their admissions came an hour before they were due to stand trial for his murder.

They admitted killing the 41-year-old, of St Katherine's Way, in Howley, on May 9, 2006.

Mr Atherton was dumped in the Mersey and discovered by police divers who dragged his body from the water near Kingsway Bridge.

The 11th-hour plea means the pair will be sentenced on April 3 at Warrington Crown Court.