A WOMAN found dead inside a house was a French student studying in the North-East.

The body of 27-year-old Sarrah Garba was found at a house in Gateshead yesterday (WED) afternoon.

The dead woman was a beauty student at Newcastle College and had only been living in the North-East for the last 18 months.

A 29-year-old man arrested on suspicion of her murder remains in custody and is helping police with their enquiries.

Just before 2pm on Wednesday, officers say they found Ms Garba’s body at a house in Moore Street, Felling where she lived.

Paramedics were called and they pronounced her dead at the scene.

Superintendent Richie Jackson, of Northumbria Police’s Central Area Command, said: "We have informed Sarrah's family about what has happened and have family liaison officers offering them as much support as we can.

"Our enquiries show that she attended college last Thursday (September 17), but this is the last confirmed sighting we have of her.

“We need to build up a picture of her movements since that day and want to hear from anyone who might have seen, or spoke to Sarrah in the last week, as soon as possible.

"We believe that the arrested man, who remains in custody this evening, was known to Sarah and that they lived in the address in Moore Street together.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and I'd ask that if anyone has any information that could help us with this investigation that they get in touch as soon as possible."

Officers from the Gateshead Neighbourhood Policing Team are carrying out patrols in the Moore Street area and speaking with residents.

Anyone with any information is asked to ring Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191.