A MAN police have named in connection with a fatal stabbing in New Cross may be dealt with in Albania, following a court hearing this week.

Police have been hunting Aldo Aliaj, also known as Gerald Mitre, in connection with the death of 24-year-old Aaron Stokes.

Mr Stokes was stabbed in the chest at a hostel in Queens Road, New Cross, in January 2006.

Detectives believe Aliaj is in Albania, where the UK has no extradition agreement.

A two-day hearing to seek transfer of jurisdiction for the case to Albania was held at Horseferry Magistrates’ Court last week.

A judgement from the hearing is expected in around four weeks.

If the case is transferred to Albanian authorities they will hunt for Aliaj and if found he will be prosecuted in Albania.

It is believed to be the first time a transfer of jurisdiction hearing has been held in the UK without a suspect being in custody.

Aliaj, aged 23, is an Albanian national described as white and of eastern European appearance.

He is of slim build, approximately 5ft 8in tall, with dark hair and eyes, and speaks with an eastern European accent When living in London in 2006, he was known to have links with Lewisham and Hackney.

Anyone with any information connected to the case should call 020 8721 4155 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.