POLICE launched an investigation yesterday after the body of a woman was found in a street.

A woman walking her dog discovered the body on the pavement outside a doctor's surgery in High Street, Tow Law, County Durham, shortly before 7.30am.

The deceased is believed to be a local woman, in her fifties.

The result of a post-mortem examination carried out by Home Office pathologist Dr Nigel Cooper initially indicated there was nothing suspicious about the death. Further forensic tests will be carried out over the weekend.

While police said they were not treating the woman's death as suspicious, officers from the Bishop Auckland station were last night carrying out inquiries in the area.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Sergeant Brian Wilkes, on (01388) 603566.