A TEENAGER carried out a Google search for tips on how to wash blood off shoes just days after being arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of a Winsford man.

The murder trial at Chester Crown Court into the death of Keagan Crimes heard the defendant, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had also searched for guns and knives.

The 17-year-old, from Crewe, denies murdering Mr Crimes in Winsford on October 11, 2020.

Yesterday (Thursday, January 6), prosecuting barrister Gordon Cole QC told the jury he had been first arrested by police on October 15, 2020.

During the course of its investigation, Cheshire Police officers seized two mobile phones from the defendant, which were both analysed for evidence.

Mr Cole said: "Police seized a Samsung device from the defendant's home address on November 25, 2020.

"Analysis of the phone revealed a Google search had been carried out at 11.49pm on October 20, 2020, using the term 'Does blood wash off shoes?'"

Mr Cole went on to say the teen had also used the phone to make searches for 'knives', 'tools' and 'cleaver' while another phone seized from the address revealed searches for guns and a ‘Rambo 3’ knife.

As well as the internet searches, several images were also recovered on the Samsung of the defendant holding a large knife, while police also found a social media post in tribute to the victim with a caption 'RIP Keagan'.

Earlier in the day, evidence was also provided to the jury about a friend of Mr Crimes who was also stabbed as he tried to come to his aid.

Jason McQuoid, who is now deceased, suffered two stab wounds and told a police officer how he kicked a teen carrying 'a zombie knife' as he tried in vain to help his friend.

He provided the officer with a statement in the early hours after the incident, giving his version of what had happened at around 10pm in Cheviot Square the night before.

"I was walking to the chippy and came around the corner and saw Keagan Crimes being stabbed," he said.

"I ran up to the lad and kicked him and then got stabbed.

"It was just some kid.

"I'd never seen him before in my life.

"He was carrying a big knife, like a zombie knife

"I've been stabbed because I was helping my mate."

Mr McQuoid received two stab wounds, one just below his left collar bone and the other on the back of his upper chest, which required treatment at Leighton Hospital, where he provided police with his statement.

As a result of the incident that night, Mr McQuoid was subsequently recalled to prison before he was found dead in his cell on March 2, 2021, at HMP Risley in Warrington.

Judge Steven Everett, Honourary Recorder of Chester, told the jury to treat Mr McQuoid's statement with a degree of caution as it was evidence that for very obvious reasons would never be tested by cross-examination in court.

The trial continues.