A MAN at the centre of a police hunt where an elderly woman died after being bitten by a police dog has appeared in court.

Mohammed Zakwan Rashid, 18, faces charges of being concerned in the supply of 1.5kg of heroin, dangerous driving and the concealment of criminal property in his motor vehicle - more than £14,000 in cash.

Rashid, of Syke Lane, Scarcroft, Leeds, did not enter a plea when he appeared at Teesside Magistrates’ Court today (July 25).

He was arrested in connection with an incident on July 16 in the Overdale Road area of Park End, Middlesbrough.

During the search for suspects at the scene of the incident, Irene Collins was bitten by the German Shepherd police dog.

The 73-year-old had allowed police into the garden of her home on Penrith Road so they could carry out a search.

Ms Collins, who was understood to have previous health problems, was savaged by the police dog and was taken to Middesbrough’s James Cook University Hospital. She died in hospital days afterwards.

An investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been launched following the incident.

Rashid was remanded in custody to appear before Teesside Crown Court on August 8.