A SECOND post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday after a young woman died in suspicious circumstances.

Police believe the death of Stacey Sharp, 25, of Belle Vue, in Hartlepool, could be linked to drugs. Toxicology tests are being carried out.

The young woman died suddenly on Saturday morning.

An ambulance was called to her home at 11am, and rushed her to Hartlepool General Hospital, but she was pronounced dead on arrival.

Two post-mortem examinations and various toxicology tests have been carried out, but there was still no result last night.

Hartlepool coroner Malcolm Donnelly said it was standard to carry out drugs tests when young people died in unusual circumstances.

But he added that it could be months before the reason for her death was discovered.

An inquest is expected to be opened today or tomorrow so the body can be released for a funeral.

l A report in yesterday's edition of The Northern Echo incorrectly said Ms Sharp came from the West View area of Hartlepool. We apologise for the error.