A MAN has appeared before magistrates to face a charge related to last week’s stabbings in Hereford.

Gary Stretch, aged 47, is charged with encouraging or assisting in the commission of indictable offences, believing that one or more will be committed, and also with a house burglary in Kington.

Stretch, of Riseholme, of Orton Goldhay, Peterborough, was remanded in custody to appear at Worcester Crown Court in July.

A woman in her 30s, also arrested in connection with the stabbings, has been detained under the Mental Health Act.

Two other men arrested, all from the Kington area, have been released without charge. Another has charged with handling stolen goods and bailed to appear before Hereford magistrates Court at a later date.

A 47-year-old man has been granted police bail pending further inquiries into assisting an offender wanted by Cambridgeshire Police and also for handling stolen goods.

A 43-year-old man has also been released on police bail in relation to the offence of handling stolen goods.

Both victims of the stabbing remain stable at Birmingham’s QE hospital.