TWO men have appeared in court accused of murder.

Clifford Honeyman, 42, and Andrew Thomas Stevenson, 39, both of no fixed address, appeared before Scarborough Magistrates’ Court on Monday, charged with the murder of Ricky Walker, who was found dead in a flat in Princess Street, Scarborough, last Thursday.

Both men have also been charged with two counts of robbery in Scarborough, on October 14 and between October 12 and 15. A police spokesman said none of the robbery charges were connected to Mr Walker.

Both men were remanded in custody and are due to appear at Leeds Combined Court on Wednesday.

Monday report

TWO men have been charged with murder, following the death of a 50-year-old in North Yorkshire.

Richard Ian Walker, 50, was found dead in a flat in Scarborough's Princess Street, at about 4.30pm on Thursday.

Two men, aged 42 and 39, were charged with murder on Monday night. They have been remanded in custody, and are due before magistrates on Tuesday. 

A North Yorkshire Police spokesman said the men have also been charged with two counts of robbery, both of which occurred in Scarborough, one between October 12 and 15, the other on October 14. 

The spokesman said none of the robbery charges were connected to Mr Walker.

A 54 year old man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder overnight Friday into Saturday, has been released on bail whilst enquiries continue.

Another 54-year-old man, who was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday, has been released with no further action.

Detective Superintendent Dai Malyn, Head of North Yorkshire Police’s Major Crime Unit, said Mr Walker - known locally as Ricky - suffered fatal injuries in a lengthy attack.

He said: "Ricky Walker’s injuries were the result of a violent and sustained assault. Detectives are carrying out a detailed investigation to establish the events leading up to his death at the flat.

"To help our enquiries, we are keen to trace Ricky’s movements since the morning of Tuesday, October 18, to the time of his death on Thursday. We believe Ricky was wearing a grey cap, dark jacket and was often seen to be carrying a satchel-type bag."

York Press:

Det Supt Malyn said the last known sighting of Mr Walker, was on Wednesday, October 19, at 3.15pm in St Helens Square in Scarborough.

He said: "There was an altercation between an elderly couple driving a dark-coloured Vauxhall estate car.  We know Ricky wasn’t involved in this altercation, but that he was a nearby witness to it.

"I am appealing for the couple from the car to come forward as soon as possible as we believe they may have important information that could assist the investigation."

Anyone with information which could assist police should phone North Yorkshire Police on 101, press 2, and ask to speak to the Scarborough Serious Crime Team, or speak to the Incident Room on 01609 643252.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Please quote reference number 12160190924 when providing details about this incident.