A MURDER inquiry was launched last night after the body of a woman in her 20s was found at her parents' home.

The woman, who has not been named, was discovered at the house in Winchester Way, Darlington, at 10.30am yesterday.

A 30-year-old man - believed to be Anthony Hilton, of Sparrow Hall Drive, Darlington - was arrested yesterday on suspicion of murder.

It is believed that Mr Hilton, a maintenance electrician with Newsquest (North East), publisher of The Northern Echo, was a friend of the victim.

The victim was found by a police officer who let himself into her parents' home with a key. She had been staying at the house while her parents were away on holiday.

Forensic experts spent the day at the house carrying out a detailed examination of the area.

A Home Office pathologist was expected to carry out a post mortem examination at Darlington Memorial Hospital last night to establish the cause of death.

A team of police officers made house-to-house inquiries in the area in an attempt to work out her last movements before she died.

Mr Hilton, who is believed to have a young daughter, was arrested outside The Northern Echo's offices in Priestgate, Darlington, yesterday morning.

His father, Keith, of Norwich Grove, Darlington, also works for Newsquest as an electrician. He declined to comment on his son's arrest.

The Hilton family were in the news in 1998 when Richard Hilton, 73, Anthony's grandfather, was fatally injured by a speeding car.

Detective Sergeant Tom Ryan, leading the murder investigation, said: "The investigation is at an early stage but anyone who thinks they have information which might help us should contact us at Darlington police station."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on (01325) 467681