THE HEALTH and Safety Executive (HSE) is to investigate the death of mental health worker Ashleigh Ewing, it was revealed last night.

Detective Supertintendent Steve Wade, who is heading the investigation into the stabbing of the 22-year-old support assistant, confirmed he would be referring issues in the case to the HSE.

The Northumbria University psychology graduate was allegedly attacked while she was at work, in Newcastle, last Friday.

Ms Ewing, from Hebburn, South Tyneside, was a support worker for Mental Health Matters, a charity which provides practical support and help for people with mental health problems.

She had had been with the charity for six months, her first full-time job since graduating from psychology from the University of Northumbria, in July 2005.

Det Supt Wade said: "Mental Health Matters has co-operated fully with the police investigation.

"But issues on the supervision of the patient, and the training and risk assessment involved with home visits, and a newly appointed support worker, will have to be considered by an independent inquiry."

Ms Ewing's parents, fifty-year-old Jeff, and Aileen, 46, paid tribute to their daughter, on behalf of the whole family.

They said: "Ashleigh's family will remember her with love, pride and joy. Her tragic loss is too hard to bear but Ashleigh's spirit will live in their hearts forever."

* Ronald Dixon, of Eighth Avenue, Heaton, Newcastle, appeared before city magistrates, yesterday (MON MAY 22), charged with the murder of Ms Ewing.

No plea was entered and Mr Dixon was remanded in custody until Tuesday May 30, when

he will appear before a judge at Newcastle Crown Court.