A MOTHER and son found dead in a house after a suspected murder-suicide have been named by police.

Shortly after 10am on Wednesday officers received a report of concern for a woman at an address on Satley Gardens, Sunderland.

Emergency services attended and found the body of a 68-year-old woman who had suffered injuries consistent with a stabbing.

They also found the body of a 44-year-old man who had not suffered any visible injuries but who they believe had taken a large quantity of drugs.

They were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Enquiries into the circumstances around the deaths are ongoing but police are treating the death of the 68-year-old woman as murder.

They do not believe anyone else is involved and are dealing with the incident as a suspected murder-suicide.

Police have identified the bodies as Janice Woolford and her son Michael Woolford.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Fairlamb, the senior investigating officer of the case, said: “This is a tragic case that has obviously had a devastating impact on Janice and Michael’s family.

“An investigation into the circumstances around the death are ongoing but the evidence we have gathered at this stage suggests it as a suspected murder-suicide.

“A post-mortem has taken place that has confirmed Janice died from stab wounds but we still need to wait for a toxicology report to confirm that Michael had died of a drugs overdose.

“Once we have concluded our investigation then we will provide the Coroner with a report.

“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.

“We would ask that the public respect the privacy of the family at what is an incredibly difficult time for them.”

Anyone with information surrounding the deaths is asked to call 101 quoting log 230 26/02/20 or independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.