THE woman whose death in Thornton-le-Dale sparked a murder investigation has been named as Brenda Blainey.

Police were called to a quiet residential street off Church Lane, Thornton-le-Dale, on January 5 - the same day as Mrs Blainey is alleged to have died.

Read more: Darlington restaurant owner 'gobsmacked' by customer's threat during police stand-off

Shahin Darvish-Narenjbon, of Tinshill Lane, Cookridge, Leeds, has been accused of killing her.

The 33-year-old appeared before York Magistrates' Court on Saturday, charged with murder.

He was remanded in custody as no magistrates court can grant bail in a murder case and sent to Leeds Crown Court.

This morning (Tuesday, January 11) he is expected to make his first appearance before a crown court judge.

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