A 42-YEAR-OLD man has appeared before York Magistrates charged with attempted murder following a stabbing which left a man fighting for his life.

Carl Fosberg, of Brownlow Street, The Groves, is accused of repeatedly stabbing victim Richard Hegarty in the stomach and back on Tuesday evening.

The incident happened at about 6pm in Cygnet Street, off Nunnery Lane. Mr Hegarty, of Cygnet Street, was in a critical but stable condition at York Hospital yesterday.

Dressed in a blue sweatshirt, Fosberg spoke only to confirm his personal details during a two-minute appearance in court yesterday morning.

His solicitor, Damien Morrison, did not apply for bail and he was remanded in custody.

Fosberg will next appear before York Crown Court on November 30.

A forensic operation was carried out at the property following the incident and some 24 hours later, three forensic officers were seen carrying an evidence bag from the property following a full-scale search.

Residents said five police cars had sealed off a stretch of the street on Tuesday as crime scene investigators gathered information.

Officers had attended the property following reports of a disturbance and found Mr Hegarty. They later found a weapon at the scene.

Local residents yesterday spoke of their shock at news of the incident. Mick Green, chairman of the Nunnery Lane Residents’ Association, said there was little serious crime in the area, with police generally keeping problems under control.

A woman, who did not wish to be named, said: “I have lived here 17 years and can’t remember anything like this happening before.”

Resident Keith Chapman said: “It’s very unusual for anything like this to happen around here. We are very well looked after by the police. This estate has definitely improved and is a nice place to live.”

Anyone with information about the incident should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101. Alternatively, phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.