A POST-MORTEM examination of the body of a woman found in a Darlington house on Tuesday is due to take place later on Wednesday, police have confirmed.

A 43-year-old local woman remains in police custody, having been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The Northern Echo:

A police officer maintains the cordon as forensic officers gather in the background, before entering the scene on the left of the street. Photo: Matt Westcott

The murder investigation was launched after the body of the woman in her 40s was found at a property in Louisa Street. She was declared dead at the scene.

Police officers were called to the address just after 12.30pm after being alerted by the ambulance service.

Detective Superintendent Dave Ashton said: “I can confirm a murder investigation is underway after a woman died in a house in Darlington this afternoon. 

“We have one person in custody who is being interviewed by detectives.

“Local people can expect to see an increased police presence in the Louisa Street area over the coming days as my officers work to piece together what happened.“

The street, off Eastbourne Road, was cordoned off with a police van situated at either end.

Part of a service road was also cordoned off and investigators took photographs at the scene.

The Northern Echo:

The scene of the incident in Louisa Street. Picture: Northern Echo reader

Earlier a police car and two ambulances were visible at the scene.

The Northern Echo received several calls from residents nearby.

One said: "I live on the corner and the street is all cordoned off. There is lots of police activity.

"It all began about an hour ago."

Reporter Alexa Copeland reported on Tuesday afternoon that a single officer was stood outside a house halfway down the terraced street.

On Wednesday afternoon, a team of forensics officers gathered halfway down the street, before walking towards the property under investigation.

A police officer remained outside, while another officer maintained the cordon part way down.

The road was quiet, although two neighbours watched on as the police carried out their work.

One said he knew of the woman who had been held on suspicion of murder.

A nearby resident said that she did not know the people involved and was shocked when she returned home to see the cordon and heavy police presence in the area.

The identity of the victim is expected to be released later today or tomorrow morning.

  • Anyone with information that could help police enquiries is asked to call 101 quoting reference 145 of December 6.