Police have welcomed the conviction of an asylum seeker who carried out an ‘unprovoked and deeply disturbing’ attack on two innocent people.

Ahmed Ali Alid grabbed two knives from the kitchen in his shared house before stabbing Javed Nouri repeatedly as he attacked as his victim slept in bed.

The 45-year-old then fled the house on Wharton Terrace, Hartlepool, before prowling the streets looking for another victim.

Terrence Carney, a 70-year-old grandfather, had the misfortune to be out for his regular early morning walk when he crossed paths with his killer.

Alid’s murderous attack on the pensioner was captured on CCTV as Mr Carney could be heard shouting ‘No, no, no’, as he was repeatedly stabbed.

Armed officers heading to the scene at Wharton Terrace came across Mr Carney in the street but were unable to save his life despite their valiant efforts.

The Northern Echo:

Speaking after the verdict, Detective Chief Superintendent James Dunkerley - the Head of Counter Terrorism Policing North East - said: “The horrific attacks in Hartlepool were unprovoked and deeply disturbing. Alid seriously injured one man and deliberately took the life of another.

“Terence Carney’s family and friends have been left devastated by the tragic outcome of Alid’s actions and have lost a much-loved husband, father, and grandfather. Our deepest sympathies go out to them.

“I have no doubt that the swift response of the attending officers prevented further harm or loss of life that morning. We’re grateful for their bravery in the face of a dangerous and unpredictable suspect. I’d also like to thank the people of Hartlepool for their calm and measured response to that day’s events and for the resilience they showed in the weeks that followed.”

Body worn footage captured officers arresting Alid after they spotted him wandering around the streets of the town centre.

Comments made during his arrest and in custody indicated his actions were motivated by the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Deputy Chief Constable of Cleveland Police, Victoria Fuller, said: “The shocking events in Hartlepool on 15 October 2023, which led to the tragic death of 70-year-old Terence Carney, shook the local community to its core.

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The Northern Echo:

“Alid’s actions not only left a family devastated, but also caused significant fear and distress amongst residents in Hartlepool and beyond.

“Following the initial response which saw swift and brave actions from Cleveland Police Officers, the force has supported Counter Terrorism Policing North East throughout their investigation.

“Local Neighbourhood Policing Teams in Hartlepool will be undertaking high visibility patrols to provide reassurance to the local community, and officers will be a point of contact should anyone have any concerns.”

Alid, of Wharton Terrace, Hartlepool, will be sentenced on May 17 at Teesside Crown Court after he was convicted of murder, attempted murder, and two charges of assault on an emergency worker.