TWO men have been in court accused of murdering a Bradford man.

Richard Ian Walker died as a result of a “violent and sustained assault” in Scarborough, police said.

The 50-year-old was found dead in a flat in Princess Street, Scarborough, at about 4.30pm on Thursday last week.

Clifford Honeyman, 42, and Andrew Thomas Stevenson, 39, both of no fixed address, appeared at Scarborough Magistrates Court today.

They were charged with the murder of Mr Walker on Monday night.

Both men are being kept in custody overnight and will appear at Leeds Crown Court tomorrow.

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

“Ricky Walker’s injuries were the result of a violent and sustained assault,” he added.

“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.”

Keith Dack, formerly of Bradford who now lives in York, said his wife and brother knew Mr Walker well when he lived in the city.

“My brother knew Ricky very well, they were good friends when they were younger,” he said.

“After they left school they used to spend time with each other, going to watch football and doing the things young lads do.

“When he was a young man he also worked with my wife.

“They worked together about 20 years ago at Lampways in Dudley Hill.

“He is a local lad who was born and raised in Bradford, and he also got married and had children here and was always a nice person from what my wife and brother said.”

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.

Officers are particuarly keen to trace the owner of a dark-coloured Vauxhall estate car and have released a picture of it taken from St Helen's Square in Scarborough on Wednesday, October at 3.15pm.

Det Supt Malyn 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.”

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

Quote crime reference number 12160190924 when providing details about this incident.

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