DETECTIVES investigating the discovery of the bodies of two people in a house are treating one of the deaths as suspected murder.

Police were called shortly after 10am on Wednesday to a report of concern for a woman at an address in Satley Gardens, Sunderland.

Emergency services attended and found the bodies of a 44-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman.

They were both pronounced dead at the scene.

An investigation has been launched to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths, and at this early stage, nobody else is believed to have been involved.

Police are currently treating the death of the woman as a suspected murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Fairlamb, the senior investigating officer of the case, said: “This is a tragic case that has led to the deaths of a man and a woman.

“Their next of kin have been notified and are currently being supported by a team of specialist family liaison officers. Our thoughts go out to them at this awful time.

“Forensic teams have been at the address overnight and officers will continue to remain at the property throughout today to carry out a range of enquiries.

“I would like to reassure members of the community that there is no wider threat to the public and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident at this stage.

“The man and woman were known to each other and we are continuing to investigate the circumstances behind their deaths.”

Anyone with information surrounding the deaths is asked to call 101 quoting log 230 260220 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.