DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a French student are appealing for witnesses who may have seen her earlier this week.

Beauty student Sarrah Garba was found dead in a house in the Felling area of Gateshead on Wednesday afternoon.

The body of Ms Garba, who had lived in the North-East for the last 18 months, was found at a house in Moore Street, Felling just before 2pm.

The 27-year-old attended Newcastle College on Thursday, September 17 which was, until yesterday, the last confirmed sighting of her before she died.

After what they describe as “a positive response from the public” police say a new witness has now come forward to say they saw Ms Garba on Monday. Officers say they want to hear from anyone who saw her on Monday or Tuesday of this week.

Detective Chief Inspector John Bent said: "I'd like to thank the people who responded to the appeal that we made, we've had some really useful information into the investigation team and we are following all of the calls up.

"A witness has come forward stating that they did see Sarrah during the course of Monday.

“We are making further enquiries into this and are very keen to hear from anyone who might have seen her, or spoken to her, either on Monday or Tuesday of this week.

"This is still a live investigation and any information - no matter how small or insignificant you might think it might be - could make all of the difference.

"Our thoughts are with Sarrah's family and we are doing all we can to support them at this extremely difficult time."

A 29-year-old man, who lived at the property in Moore Street, was arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody after detectives were granted a magistrates extension yesterday (THURS) evening.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with any information is asked to contact the Northumbria Police investigation room on 101 ext 69191.