A MAN has been remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with the murder of Michael Price.

Paul Ronald Watson, of The Crescent, Chester-le-Street, appeared at Newcastle Crown Court this morning following his committal from Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court at the weekend.

The 30-year-old is charged with the murder of Michael Price, 36, who died on Wednesday, January 24.

Mr Price suffered critical head injuries after he was attacked in the Victor Street area of Chester-le-Street in the early hours of Saturday, January 13.

He was taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for treatment, but later died from his injuries.

Mr Watson was not asked to plead to the charge.

Following a brief hearing in chambers before Judge Paul Sloan, he was remanded to appear in the crown court on February 26.

Police said two women aged 35 and 36 who were arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent following the incident have been rearrested on suspicion of murder.

They have both been released under investigation.

Police investigations into the death of Mr Price are continuing and officers carried out a number of operations in the Chester-le-Street area over the weekend as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Detective Chief Superintendent Adrian Green, who is leading the investigation, said: “This remains an active investigation and we are continuing to follow all lines of inquiry.”

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.