A 79-YEAR-OLD woman found murdered in her burnt out home was a mother-of-three and foster mother to more than 50 others, police have revealed.

Norma Bell's body was discovered when police were called to her address in Hartlepool at around 8.25am on Sunday morning.

Her family have spoken of their heartbreak after a murder hunt was launched for Mrs Bell's killer.

The pensioner had lived on Westbourne Road for 27 years. She had been alone there since her husband died in 2010. She would have been 80 in May.

The Northern Echo:

Police block off the road following the discovery of Norma Bell's body.

Detective Superintendent Alastair Simpson, of Cleveland Police, said officers were following a number of lines of inquiry, but would not be drawn on the results of a post mortem or the nature of injuries the pensioner may have suffered.

He said fire scene investigators were still working at the home to determine the cause of the fire and it was too early to say whether the suspect was known to Mrs Bell or not.

A tribute released on behalf of Mrs Bell's family read: “Our mum was a loving and caring person who lived for her family. To lose her in this manner is heartbreaking. 

"We would urge anybody with information regarding the death of our mother to come forward and speak to police. We also ask for privacy at this sad time to allow us to come to terms with this huge loss.”

Additional police patrols will be carried out in the area.
Det Supt Simpson also urged friends and relatives to check on anyone living in the the area.

“Our thoughts are with Norma’s family and friends at this incredibly distressing time," the officer said.

“We now know, following a post mortem examination held yesterday, that Norma died prior to the fire in her home and we have launched a murder investigation.

“Officers are carrying out a number of lines of enquiry, including house-to-house and CCTV enquiries. Neighbourhood officers will provide a high profile presence in the area and will continue patrols to provide some reassurance to those living in the local community.

“Whilst it is too early to say what the motive is or whether the suspect was known to Mrs Bell, I would remind anyone in the local area who may have an elderly or vulnerable relative or neighbour to check on them. Check that there is nothing out of the ordinary in relation to them or their property.

“Similarly, I would also remind people not to allow anyone into their home who is not known to them or who purports to be an official from an organisation without first checking their identification. 

"If people are unsure then they could call the relevant organisation to check that they do have someone in the area.

“I would like to take this opportunity to appeal to anyone living in the local area who may have seen or heard anything suspicious from late on Saturday evening into Sunday morning in Westbourne Road to contact police. 

"Anyone in the area with private CCTV is asked to check it to see if there is anything on there which could be valuable to our investigation and, if so, please contact us."

Police had been in the area on Saturday advising residents about a couple of incidents of criminal damage, but officers confirmed there had been no reported home burglaries in the area in the last week.

There was a heavy police presence in the street in the hours which followed the discovery of the body, as well as a forensics team, which continues to work in and around the property.

The Northern Echo:

Detective Superintendent Alastair Simpson at a press conference following the murder of Norma Bell.

On Sunday, residents of the street told of their shock at the incident.

One man said: "I go out walking early on a Sunday and I came back to this. I think there's people in the cordoned off area who haven't even been able to get out of their homes. It's terrible to think something like that could happen here."
Anyone who may have information regarding the fire or anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the area of Westbourne Road should contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or crimestoppers-uk.org