Murder charge as four in court over man's death

Liam Woolford, 22, died following an incident in the early hours of Tuesday

Four men have appeared in court charged in connection with the death of 22-year-old Liam Woolford.

Mr Woolford, from Porth, Rhondda Cynon Taf, died after an incident on Poets Close, Rhydyfelin, in the early hours of Tuesday.

Jake Staples, 24, of Porth, has been charged with murder, attempted murder, wounding with intent, conspiracy to wound another and possession of bladed article.

Abeyshake Karunanithy, 22, of Tonteg, and Ethan Ross, 23, of Rhydyfelin, have been charged with attempted murder, conspiracy to wound another and possession of bladed article, while Jesse Wandera, 30, of Rhydyfelin, has been charged with conspiracy to wound another.

All four were remanded in custody at Newport Magistrates' Court on Saturday and are due to appear before Cardiff Crown Court on Monday.

Mr Woolford's family said they were "thinking of their loving son Liam at this difficult time and ask for privacy to grieve" in a statement released earlier this week.

Det Supt Paul Raikes said his thoughts were with the family and loved ones of Mr Woolford.

"I would also like to thank the community of Rhydyfelin for their support during our investigation," he added.