A WOMAN who was found dead in a Hartlepool house is thought to have been murdered.

Angela Wrightson, 39, was found at a property on Stephen Street, near the town centre, just before 7am yesterday morning.

Two girls, aged 13 and 14, were arrested and have been questioned in connection with the death, Cleveland police have confirmed.

Ms Wrightson was one of nine children.

Residents paid tribute to Ms Wrightson, who was well known in the area, on social media after it emerged she had died.

One woman described her as a “great lass” with another saying the death was “so sad”. Pat Andrews, from Middlesbrough, wrote on Facebook: “Oh god bless her RIP dear lady”. 

She had problems with alcohol and had been told she would be fined £200 if she was caught trying to buy it from anywhere in England or Wales.

A spokeswoman for Cleveland Police said: “Police can now confirm they are treating the death of a woman whose body was found in an address in Stephen Street in Hartlepool yesterday as murder after a post mortem was carried out.

“Two girls aged 13 and 14 have been arrested in connection with her death and are currently being questioned by police. 

“Police are hoping to carry out a formal identification later today.”

Anyone with information should contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.