A 22-YEAR-OLD man has appeared before magistrates accused of attempted murder following a stabbing.

Kieran Smith of Tenth Street, Horden, was charged with attempted murder after a man was found with life-threatening injuries in Warren Square, near to Geordies Pizzeria in Horden at around 6.50pm on August 9.

Smith appeared at Peterlee Magistrates’ Court where he was remanded in custody to appear at a plea and case management hearing at Newcastle Crown Court on Thursday, September 7.

The 38-year-old victim suffered critical chest injuries and remains in hospital.

A 23-year-old man also arrested on suspicion of attempted murder has been released under investigation.