A man has appeared in court charged with murder in connection with the death of 26-year-old Lewis Bell, following an alleged stabbing incident.

Police were called to Hills Drive in Stockton in the early hours of Thursday, where Lewis Bell, 26, died at the scene. 

Liam Matthews, 25, of Quenby Road, Billingham, appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court today.

He was not asked to plead and the hearing was adjourned until tomorrow (Wednesday, September 25) for a bail hearing. No further hearing date has yet been set. 

A 17-year-old male appeared at Teesside Magistrates Court on Monday (September 23).

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"A third male, aged 19, has been bailed whilst enquiries continue and a further five people who had been arrested last week in connection with the murder investigation also remain on police bail."

Earlier, Lewis’ family paid tribute to him. Lewis’ dad, Martin Bell, said: “He was loved massively and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

“He was a loving and doting Dad, son, brother, cousin and friend to many.

“As a family we are devastated.”

(Image: Cleveland Police)