A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Patricia Thompson.

The man, from the South Bank area of Middlesbrough, is currently being questioned by detectives. He was arrested earlier on an unrelated offence before being arrested for murder.

Earlier today, police released fresh details about the investigation.

Detectives said a man called for a taxi from the home of an 85-year-old widow shortly before she was found strangled on her bed, it has emerged.

They believe a man set fire to her home while the taxi waited outside.

The pensioner was found dead after firefighters forced their way into her burning bungalow, in Emma Simpson Court, Hartburn, Stockton, at about 11.30pm, on September 5.

Investigators say a taxi firm received a booking in the name of Steven at 11pm that evening. The black Vauxhall Astra arrived at 11.05pm and a man left the pensioner's home carrying two suitcases.

One is described as hand luggage, which was being wheeled and the other is described as 2ft by 2ft 6ins long, which he was carrying.

The man put the suitcases in the boot of the taxi and then told the driver he would be a couple of minutes. He then went back in to the bungalow and came out about five minutes later. It is during this time detectives believe he was setting fire to the property.

The man was dropped off on Redcar Road, in South Bank, at the junction with Upper Princess Street, at 11.20pm.

The man is described as white, mid 20s, 5ft 11 to 6ft tall, slim to medium build, ginger to brown hair and two to three days of stubble. He had a local accent and may also have had a sun tan.

He was wearing light blue jeans, white trainers and a light colour fleece jacket.

Detective Superintendent Gordon Lang from Cleveland Polices murder investigation team, said: "This is an extremely positive lead and the pieces of the jigsaw are starting to come together.

"It is now only a matter of time before we track down this evil individual to face the consequences of his actions.

"This was a completely unnecessary, cowardly attack and whoever carried this out has no place in our communities and I would ask anyone who knows who this man is to contact police."

Witnesses are asked to call 01642-301615.