A WOMAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of another woman in Darlington.

Charlene Walker, also known as Jamie Paylor, was found in a house on Louisa Street on Tuesday afternoon and declared dead at the scene.

Police launched a murder enquiry after being alerted by the ambulance service and acted quickly to arrest 43-year-old Julie Gowling.

Gowling, of Louisa Street, appeared at Newton Aycliffe magistrates court on Thursday morning in relation to the death of the 36-year-old victim.

She entered no plea and was remanded in custody ahead of an appearance at Teesside Crown Court, scheduled for Friday, December 9.

Little is known at this stage about the circumstances that led to the death of Ms Walker, which happened inside the property on the terraced street.

A post-mortem examination of the victim’s body was due to take place late on Wednesday, December 7 but as yet, the results have not been made public.

The Northern Echo:

Police at the scene on Wednesday. Picture: Matt Westcott

Following the discovery of the body at around 12.30pm on Tuesday, Durham Constabulary officers cordoned off Louisa Street, off Eastbourne Road, and situated a police van at either end.

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

Shortly afterwards, Detective Superintendent Dave Ashton confirmed a murder investigation was ongoing and said: “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.”

Neighbours were said to be shocked after hearing about the murder.

  • Anyone with information should contact police on non-emergency number 101 quoting reference 145 of December 6.