Darlington flooded with 999 crews after woman 'murdered'

Durham Police launched a murder investigation after a woman was found dead in the flat above The Greyhound pub on Parkgate at around 9.15pm on Wednesday, September 23.

Two have since been arrested - a 44-year-old man on suspicion of murder and a 27-year-old man on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Police, CSI and ambulance crews were called to a property above The Greyhound Darlington pub where a police cordon was put in place around 10pm last night (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

A 42-year-old woman who lives nearby said she saw five or six police cars, an ambulance and scores of officers outside the property.

She said: “I’ve heard it’s a woman who’s died in the flat above, it’s just awful and so sad. I think she was well known around Darlington it seems as well.

"I saw about five maybe six police cars, an ambulance and lots of officers last night probably around 10.30ish. I couldn’t stop thinking about what had happened.”

Durham police said formal identification has not yet taken place, but the woman is believed to be in her 40s.

Both of the men arrested remain in police custody.

Police cordon remains in place on Parkgate in Darlington outside The Greyhound pub (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Specialist crime scene investigators have been spotted examining the scene while officers continue to carry out enquiries in the area.

Shoppers and residents were spotted looking on as officers guarded the scene on Thursday morning.

One woman who often visits the area said she was surprised to see the cordon.

She said: "We always come here at this time but I was shocked to see the cordon up. I have no idea what’s happened.”

A 36-year-old man on his way to work said: “I’ve heard someone’s died".

Pictures taken this morning show a police cordon still in place, with officers remaining at the scene.

Durham Police released a statement on Thursday morning confirming a woman had died.

The full statement reads: "A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman was found dead in Darlington last night (Wednesday, September 23). Officers were called to an address in Parkgate at about 9.15pm.

"Sadly, a woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Formal identification has yet to take place, but it is believed to be a woman in her 40s.

"An investigation has been launched, and two men have been arrested – a 44-year-old on suspicion of murder, and a 27-year-old on suspicion of assisting an offender.

"Both men have been taken into police custody where they remain.

"Specialist crime scene investigators are currently examining the scene, and officers are carrying out enquiries in the area.

"A cordon is in place at the scene and is expected to remain for some time.

"Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 521 of September 23.

"Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800555111."

Paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) also confirmed they attended the incident.

A spokesperson said: "We were called to an incident at a private address in Darlington at 9.15pm on Wednesday, September 23.

"We dispatched an ambulance crew, a clinical team leader and a duty officer."