A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 22-year-old man above a pizza shop.

Barat Ramazani spoke to confirm his name and address when he appeared at Hartlepool Magistrates' Court this morning, Saturday.

The 22-year-old, from Park Road, Harltepool, is charged with the murder of Seyed Kabir Ategh Gan on August 15.

The victim, also 22, of Park Road, was discovered with multiple stab wounds in the flat above Italiano's Pizzeria.

Mr Ramazani was charged last night.

No application for bail was made and Mr Ramazani was remanded in custody.

He is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court on Thursday.