A WOMAN who died following a savage attack that took place just yards from a play park has been identified as Kelly Franklin.

A grieving community is in shock after learning of the death of mother-of-three Ms Franklin who is believed to have been stabbed on a patch of land on Hartlepool’s Oxford Road.

Members of the public heard her screams and rushed to her aid shortly after 9pm but, despite the best efforts of passersby and the emergency services, she died within minutes after sustaining “significant injuries”.

Within hours of the attack, police launched a murder investigation and began a manhunt that resulted in the arrests of a 30-year-old man and a 48-year-old woman over the course of the weekend.

Arrested on suspicion of murder, both currently remain in custody as investigations continue.

Ms Franklin‘s death has devastated family and friends and left the tight knit estate where she is believed to have lived, and where she lost her life, in shock.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said formal identification was carried out on Sunday as they named the 29-year-old, a mother of three young children from Hartlepool.

She added: “Specially trained officers are supporting Kelly’s family and our thoughts remain with them at this extremely difficult time.

“Detectives would like to again appeal for any witnesses to the incident to get in touch with them.

“Police believe that Oxford Road would have been busy with vehicles travelling along Oxford Road on Friday evening, and that it is a route often used by buses and taxis.

“Any drivers who were in the area of Oxford Road near to Chaucer Avenue at around 9pm on Friday evening, particularly anyone who may have dash cam footage, are asked to call them on 101.”