A shopkeeper from Chingford has been charged with attempted murder following a meat cleaver attack last week. 

Ali Yildiz, 33, of Maple Avenue is accused of trying to kill fish and chip shop owner Theo Papadamou on September 16 in Wivenhoe High Street.

Emergency services were called to the scene following reports a man, aged in his 60s, had been attacked. A woman in her 50s was also assaulted during the incident.

Yildiz faces a second charge of assault by beating and has been remanded in custody following his appearance at Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 17. 

He is due to enter a plea on November 24 at Chelmsford Crown Court.  

Mr Papadamou remains in hospital and is due to undergo further extensive treatment including surgery to his arm.