A man has appeared at the Old Bailey accused of the murder of a 70-year-old man and the attempted murder of his housemate in attacks suspected to be terror-related.

Ahmed Alid, 44, is accused of murdering Terrence Carney after the victim had just used a cash machine in Hartlepool town centre on Sunday, October 15.

The Northern Echo: Police remain present across Hartlepool this evening as a man remains in custody arrested on

Alid is also accused of attempting to kill his housemate, Javed Nouri, after allegedly fighting with him.

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He appeared in court by video link from HMP Frankland on Thursday, flanked by four security officers, and did not respond when asked to confirm his name.

The Northern Echo:

The Moroccan national, aided by an Arabic interpreter, instead said: “I’m very ill, I cannot talk, I cannot speak.”

The court heard that, while the current investigation remains at an early stage, it is suspected to be terror-related.

Prosecutor Ben Lloyd said: “At this time (investigation) considers the offending to be motivated by terrorism.”

The Northern Echo:

Alid allegedly stabbed Mr Nouri multiple times in the chest, legs and mouth in Wharton Terrace, Hartlepool, at around 5.15am on Sunday.

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He then travelled half a mile to Tees Street, where he is alleged to have fatally stabbed Mr Carney in the chest and neck.

The Northern Echo: Police remain present across Hartlepool this evening as a man remains in custody arrested on

Alid was arrested on the corner of Victoria Road and York Road, and was charged following an investigation by Counter-Terrorism Policing North East and Cleveland Police.

He is next due to appear for a preliminary hearing on October 27.