Hartlepool knife attack suspect named after elderly man killed in street

The suspect in the Hartlepool knife attack has been named after a 70-year-old passerby was stabbed and killed.

Ahmed Alid, 44, from Hartlepool, has been charged with the murder of Terrence Carney and the attempted murder of another man in Hartlepool on Sunday, Counter Terrorism Policing North East said.

Counter terror cops took over the investigation due to circumstances surrounding the incident, Cleveland Police said after they were called to a property shortly after 5am on Sunday and found an injured man who suffered non-life-threatening injuries. He remains in hospital.

Tragically, a second man, Terrence Carney, age 70, from Hartlepool, was found on nearby Tees Street, and he died at the scene. Terrence was believed to have just been a "passer by" at the time, having recently used an ATM, just moments before he was killed.

Forensic officers continue their investigation at a property on Wharton Terrace in Hartlepool following the murder of one man and the attempted murder of another (Jason Brown/LNP)

After arresting Alid and questioning him over the horrific incident, police were granted another 12 hours to question him. Their murder probe is believed to be centred on a house shared by migrants - thought to be asylum seekers. The end terraced property has been cordoned off as forensic teams continue their investigations.

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A kitchen knife was found on the pavement outside a nearby sandwich shop and one man fought back tears today as he laid two bunches of roses outside the property this afternoon.

Counter terror police took over due to the "circumstances surrounding the incident" and investigations are still ongoing. The Head of Counter-Terrorism Policing North East, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley, said: “Although our inquiries are still at a very early stage, the circumstances surrounding this incident have resulted in Counter-Terrorism Policing taking the lead for this investigation.

The police cordon around the property in Hartlepool (PA)

“From the inquiries undertaken so far, there is no evidence to suggest that there was any other person involved in the attack, and, at this time, we are not looking for anyone else in relation to the incident. Our deepest sympathies go out to the family and friends of the man killed yesterday, and our thoughts are with the man who remains in hospital.”

Cleveland Police Deputy Chief Constable Victoria Fuller added: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who lost his life yesterday. Though incidents of this nature are very rare, I understand the concern that yesterday’s events will have caused amongst our local community. We have local officers patrolling in the area to provide reassurance to our local communities.

“We continue to work closely with colleagues from Counter-Terrorism Policing North East as the investigation progresses. We are also working with other partner agencies and key community representatives to reassure them and keep them informed.

“I would like to offer my thanks to the attending officers who swiftly responded to this incident. A man has been arrested in connection with it and remains in custody.”