Fatal stabbing suspects appear in court

File photo / NZ Herald

The two men charged in relation to a deadly stabbing in Lower Hutt last night made a brief appearance in court this afternoon.

Police were called to Stokes Valley about 9pm after reports of fighting.

When police arrived at the corner of George and Logie streets, bystanders were performing first aid on a man with multiple stab wounds.

"He was transported soon after to Hutt Hospital and was pronounced dead a short time later," Mr Cooper said.

A 20-year-old man and a 22-year-old man, whose names are both suppressed, later handed themselves into police and were both charged with assault. Further charges were pending.

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They both made their first appearance in Lower Hutt District court this afternoon dressed in white prison overalls.

Both men had support from family members and some were heard yelling out "I love you, son" and "you'll be all good, baby" from the public gallery.

A group was crying quietly through the entire appearance.

The 22-year-old man's lawyer, Geoff Fulton, said he would not apply for bail for the man until what was likely to happen with the case was more clearly determined.

Judge Peter Butler remanded the 22-year-old in custody for his next appearance on February 9.

Lawyer for the 20-year-old, Geoff Fulton, did make an application for bail.

However, Judge Butler said today was not the time to make an application for bail and remanded him in custody until his next appearance on February 14.

The reasons for denying the bail application were suppressed.

Police prosecutor John Miller said the investigation was still in its infancy and witnesses were still being interviewed.