A 20-YEAR-OLD man was yesterday charged in connection with the death of a teenager who was stabbed in the neck.

The announcement came after a 16-year-old boy appeared in court charged with the murder of Mark James Smith, also aged 16, in Newcastle's West End, shortly before 11pm on Wednesday.

The defendant, who cannot be identified for legal reasons, was remanded into secure accommodation until tomorrow.

The teenager, who wore his white and blue checked shirt untucked, was flanked by two security officers in Newcastle Magistrates' Court during the 20-minute hearing.

Two police officers stood guard by the entrance to the court.

Yesterday, Northumbria Police said that Lee Keenan, 20, of Charlotte Close, Newcastle, was charged with assisting an offender and possession of an offensive weapon. He is expected to appear before magistrates today.

Meanwhile, officers say that they still want to speak to a number of potential witnesses.

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Ford, who is leading the investigation for Northumbria Police, said: "We have had a good response from the public to this tragic incident, but I believe there are some potential witnesses who were in the area at the time and I would urge them to come forward as soon as possible."

Police viewed CCTV footage and said it was clear that a number of people were in the area of Gill Street, Axbridge Gardens, Elswick Road and Adelaide Terrace.

A police spokeswoman said: "Some people were on foot, others in vehicles, and police urgently need them to come forward."

Mark, of St John's Walk, Newcastle, was served with an Asbo last year, but was turning his life around and had just secured a full-time job as a mechanic.

Anyone in the area at the time of the killing is asked to contact the major incident room on 08456- 043-043 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800-555111