Terror cops given more time to grill ‘asylum seeker’ arrested for ‘stabbing man to death’ by Hartlepool hostel
TERROR cops have been given more time to quiz an alleged asylum seeker after a man was stabbed to death at a hostel.
The 44-year-old was arrested following the horror at a hostel in Hartlepool, Co Durham, yesterday morning.
He allegedly knifed another migrant at the accommodation centre before stabbing a member of the public on the street moments later.
Cleveland Police today confirmed officers have been given an extra 12 hours to question the Middle Eastern suspect.
He is being held on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
It is unclear how long the suspect has been in the UK or how he arrived.
Police also said they are keeping an “open mind” over the attack, with the investigation led by Counter Terrorism Policing North East.
It is not being treated as a terrorist incident.
The horror unfolded at around 6am yesterday as police raced to the scene.
The member of the public was pronounced dead and the other victim was in a serious but non-life threatening condition in hospital.
A “large” knife was found on the ground close to where the victim fell.
Deputy Chief Constable Victoria Fuller from Cleveland Police said: “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.”