A man has been remanded in custody after appearing in court accused of murdering a 70-year-old passerby in Hartlepool.
Terrence Carney had just used a cash machine when he was attacked by a person with a knife in the town centre in the early hours of Sunday morning in what police later described as an “isolated” incident. Attempts were made to treat Carney but he died at the scene.
Ahmed Alid, 44, a Moroccan national, appeared at Westminster magistrates court in London on Tuesday morning via video link from a police station in Middlesbrough. He is charged with the murder of Carney and the attempted murder of Javed Nouri, a housemate.
Alid is alleged to have fought with Nouri at about 5.15am on Wharton Terrace and to have stabbed him in the chest, legs and mouth. Police said Nouri’s injuries were not life-threatening and he was taken to hospital, where he remains.
Alid is then accused of going to Tees Street in the town centre, half a mile away, where he allegedly fatally stabbed Carney in the chest and neck.
The defendant did not enter any pleas and was remanded in custody to appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday.
Alid was charged after an investigation by Counter Terrorism Policing North East and Cleveland police.
Investigators spent Sunday and Monday at the end-of-terrace house in Hartlepool where the accused man lives. Neighbours said the property was used to house asylum seekers. One neighbour said she had seen four men living at the property and thought they were from different ethnic backgrounds.
After Alid was charged, DCS James Dunkerley, the head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East, said: “We are satisfied that this was an isolated incident and are not seeking anyone else in connection with this matter.
“We are grateful for the support and understanding of the local community during this investigation, which has caused understandable concern among local people. We will continue to work closely with Cleveland police colleagues to reassure those affected and keep them informed.”
Cleveland police’s deputy chief constable, Victoria Fuller, said: “I am extremely proud of the bravery of the attending officers, that enabled the incident to be dealt with swiftly. We would also like to add our thanks to the local community for their support during this investigation. Our thoughts remain with the family of Mr Carney and the second man involved in Sunday’s incident.”
