Man charged with 2019 murder after Brussels arrest

A man has been charged with the murder of another man who was shot in the head at point-blank range.

Hemawand Ali Hussain was found dead in a derelict house on Charterhouse Street, Hartlepool, on 14 September 2019.

Cleveland Police said Sajmir Dodoveci had been charged with his murder after being detained at a train station in Brussels, Belgium, on 23 December.

The 40-year-old, of no fixed abode, was extradited to the UK and appeared at Teesside Magistrates' Court, where he was remanded in custody until his next appearance at Teesside Crown Court on 13 January.

Four men have already been jailed over Mr Hussain's death.

Cleveland Police said a 34-year-old man was detained in Belgium in February 2024 and arrangements are being made for him to be extradited to stand trial.

The force is still looking for a further suspect, 26-year-old Albanian Armando Marku, who they believe has fled the UK and is now abroad.

"All our thoughts remain with Mr Hussain's family and with his wife and sons who are being kept up to date with developments throughout," said Det Insp Lyndsey Dale, who is leading the investigation.

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

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