A MAN has appeared in court charged with the murder of a 50-year-old North East woman.

Harry Turner made a brief appearance at Teesside Crown Court for a preliminary hearing to set a trial date.

Officers attended an address in Cuthbert Avenue shortly after 12.50pm last Wednesday where Sally Turner was found dead.

The Northern Echo: Sally Turner. PICTURE: DURHAM CONSTABULARYSally Turner. PICTURE: DURHAM CONSTABULARY

A post-mortem examination revealed the grandmother died from stab wounds.

Her family have said that they are heartbroken by their loss and have asked to be left alone to grieve in peace.

Read more: Two suspects arrested after fuel theft at North East quarry

Turner, of Tiree Close, Brandon, near Durham, did not enter a plea and was remanded in custody.

A provisional trial date for the 53-year-old was set for November 7 and he will next appear in court on August 2.

The Northern Echo: Police at the scene of the incident in Durham Picture: Rachel Conner-HillPolice at the scene of the incident in Durham Picture: Rachel Conner-Hill

Following her death, Detective Chief Superintendent Dave Ashton, who is leading the investigation, said: “I would like to offer my condolences to Sally’s family and friends following this tragic incident. They are currently being supported by specially trained officers."

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 155 of June 22.

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054