Murder bid charge after stabbing

A man has been charged with attempted murder after a Durham Council social worker was left critically ill in a stabbing incident last Friday.

The children’s services practitioner, who has not been named, was due to attend a meeting at Glendene School and Community
Arts College in Easington Colliery to discuss a pupil, also attended by staff and the pupil’s family.

She was taken to hospital and underwent an emergency operation.

On Monday, her condition was critical but stable.

Graham Burton, 40, of Hill Crescent, Murton, Durham, was remanded in custody for seven days after appearing before Easington Magistrates’ Court on Monday.