POLICE are preparing a file for the coroner following the mysterious death of a young woman, who was found in her home in a north Durham village.

Detectives confirmed the body of the 28-year-old woman discovered in her bungalow at midnight on Thursday, June 30, was that of Jacqueline Stabler.

Forensic experts sealed off the house in The Brooms, Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, and carried out a fingertip search. But police stressed, there were no signs of a break-in or violence, and the death was being investigated because of her age and the fact that she had not been seen for a period of time.

Det Insp Kevin Langan of Chester-le-Street CID said: "There were no signs of forced entry to the premises.

"A post mortem has been conducted and there were no obvious signs of violence. The findings are inconclusive. However, we are keeping an open mind. Because of her age we are duty bound to investigate. There will be further inquiries, as result of the post mortem."

DI Langan added: "We are keen to establish her movements between evening of Saturday, June 25, and the evening of Thursday, June 30, and are appealing for witnesses and people who knew her to come forward to help with out with inquiries."

DI Langan said the body of Ms Stabler had been found by her boyfriend, after he had grown concerned for her welfare.

Police have conducted door-to-door inquiries and have also spoken to staff at The Brooms pub, where Ms Stabler was known to drink with her boyfriend.

Neighbour Tracy Coyle, 39, said: "There had been no sign of her for the last three or so days, but her lights have been on, so the body may have been there for a while."

The landlady of The Brooms, who declined to be named, said: "The police came into the pub because she was regularly in here. She had been coming in for about six months with her boyfriend. They were very much a couple."

A police spokesman said: "We are preparing a file for the coroner and an inquest is expected to open soon."

Ms Stabler was 5ft 5ins tall and had long fair hair. She was last seen wearing a brown top, white skirt and beige suede calf-length boots. Anyone with information has been asked to contact the police on 0845 606 0365.