Two men remanded over Birtley attempted murder
Two men charged with the attempted murder of a man who was stabbed confronting thieves breaking into his van have appeared in court.
David Mullen, 43, suffered multiple wounds in the attack in the early hours of Saturday in Selkirk Crescent, Birtley. He is critical but stable.
Mark Fullerton, 21, and William Airey, 23, appeared before South Tyneside magistrates accused of the attack.
They were remanded in custody until 13 September.
A third man arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed.
Northumbria Police said the stabbing happened as Mr Mullen tried to stop three people trying to break into his Ford Escort van.