Detectives have charged a 26-year-old man with the murder of Mohammed Saleem Khan in Easingwold.

The 36-year-old, from Luton, was initially believed to have died when his van hit two bollards on Long Street in the early hours of Sunday 23 September.

However, extensive enquiries revealed that he had been stabbed.

Detective Chief Inspector Heather Pearson, of North Yorkshire Police, said: "I would like to thank the people of Easingwold for their fantastic support during the investigation so far.

"However, I believe that there are still people within the community with information about Mr Khan's murder that they haven't shared with the police and I urge them to come forward as soon as possible."

Superintendent Andy McMillan, Safer Neighbourhood Commander for Hambleton and Richmondshire, added: "The murder of Mr Khan is a tragic incident which took place in Easingwold, a small North Yorkshire market town with a close knit local community.

"This type of incident is so uncharacteristic of North Yorkshire and in particular the Hambleton District, which has low crime and is a safe place to live, work and visit.

"Local Safer Neighbourhood Officers have been working closely with members of all our communities in Easingwold, and indeed, across the force both to gather information to assist the enquiry and to reassure them that this was indeed a tragic, yet isolated incident.

"The whole force's thoughts are with Mr Khan's family through at this very difficult time."

Mr Khan's family have released a statement: "Following our tragic loss of Saleem, his family and wife, who is due to give birth, want to see justice for his murder.

"We want those responsible to be imprisoned and we appeal to the courts for this to happen.

"The family thanks North Yorkshire Police for their ongoing efforts with the investigation and the support they have provided to us at this very difficult time.

"We request that our family is allowed to grieve in private as we try to come to terms with the sudden and tragic loss of Saleem."

Anyone who can help officers investigating the murder is asked to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 2 and ask for York CID.

Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Please quote reference number 12120159549 when passing on information.