FORENSICS officers arrived at the home of a murdered woman this morning as investigations into her death continue.

Crime scene investigators joined a Cleveland Police officer stationed outside the house shared by Jessica Patel and her husband at around 9am.

Mrs Patel was pronounced dead on Monday evening after she was discovered with serious injuries in the large Victorian house on The Avenue in Middlesbrough.

The Northern Echo:

MURDER: Police outside the home of Jessica Patel this morning. Picture: Joanna Morris

After conversing with their colleague, the forensic team donned masks, gloves and suits before carrying their equipment into the property.

Shortly afterwards, Cleveland Police released a statement and said that enquiries into the tragedy were continuing.

The force launched a murder investigation following the death of the 34-year-old but there have been no arrests so far.

Specialist officers, including forensic teams, are working hard to establish what happened to 34-year-old Jessica Patel who was found at her home on The Avenue in Linthorpe, Middlesbrough at 8.20pm on Monday, May 14.

A post-mortem has been carried out but police say they will not release the cause of Mrs Patel’s death yet for “investigative reasons”.

Mrs Patel was from the Leeds area and helped to run the Roman Road Pharmacy with her husband.

This morning, the shutters at the business were down as workers at other firms in the area spoke of their shock to hear of the tragedy.

The Northern Echo:

TRAGEDY: The business where Mrs Patel worked was closed today. Picture: Joanna Morris

A staff member at the neighbouring LET Belle Vue said: “We are all shocked and saddened by what has happened, but nobody really knows what has gone on – it’s an absolute tragedy, she was so young.

“I feel for the family and hope that they can keep together and stay strong through all of this.”

Staff at the Butterflies florist and the Lifestyle convenience store said that they too were shocked at what had happened and offered condolences to those affected by Mrs Patel’s death.

Police today repeated their appeal for more information about the incident, which was reported at around 8.20pm on Monday, May 14.

At a press conference yesterday, Detective Superintendent Tariq Ali said: “A woman has been murdered in her home.

“At this stage of the investigation we are not able to say much more than this, other than that a team of dedicated officers and specialist staff are now working hard to get to the facts.

“When a murder takes place in our community, perhaps even near our own homes, we aren’t deaf to the fear and worry this causes.

“As soon as we can say more about this crime, we will say more, but please be assured that our neighbourhood teams are increasing patrols in the area and are out and about, happy to speak to anyone to offer reassurance and talk directly to local people.”

Anyone who may have dash-cam footage of the area which may assist police is asked to come forward.

Police searches are also continuing in the local area, and increased neighbourhood patrols are continuing in the community to offer reassurance.

  • Anyone with information is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101, quoting event number 85888
  • Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or www.crimestoppers-uk.org