POLICE say they believe a woman whose body was found on Friday evening was murdered.

Officers investigating the death Gateshead are appealing for the public's help.

Police attended an address in Hillfield Street in Bensham at about 8.30pm on Friday and found the body of a 42-year-old woman.

Officers are appealing for help to locate Carl Anderson, 41, as they want to speak to him in connection with the death.

Mr Anderson, who was living in the Gateshead area but who has links to the Great Lumley area of Durham, was reported missing on Friday evening.

He is described as being 5ft 10ins tall, of medium build and has brown short hair.

He was last seen wearing dark zip up waterproof jacket, blue denim jeans, a white jumper with horizontal blue stripe across the front and a black wool hat with white letter NYC. He is not believed to have access to a vehicle.

Police do not believe he poses a risk to the public and are appealing for anyone who sees him, or knows of his whereabouts, to contact Northumbria Police or Durham Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference number 1130 19/12/14, or by ringing Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555-111.