THE partner of North-East mother-of-two Sharon McShane was last night charged with her murder.

Kevin Robert Ashdown, 44, of Bramall Lane, Red Hall estate, Darlington, is due to appear before magistrates in Newton Aycliffe today.

He was arrested on Thursday night, and detectives were granted a further 36-hour extension to continue questioning him over the weekend.

Mrs McShane, 43, died on Thursday at about 6.20pm, in a flat in Murrayfield Way, which backs on to Bramall Lane. Neighbours raised the alarm.

The body of Mrs McShane, who had two sons aged 13 and 15 from a previous relationship, was found inside.

Her former husband, Richard McShane, is believed to live in London, and their sons are being looked after by family.

Neighbours laid floral tributes outside Mrs McShane's home at the weekend.

Her death came only 11 hours after another North-East mother was stabbed yards from her home.

Linda Hewitt, 45, of Ryelands Way, Pity Me, near Durham City, died from internal bleeding after she was attacked at 7.30am on Thursday.

Her former husband, David Turner, 47, of Farnham Road, Durham City, was charged with her murder on Friday.

The former civil servant appeared before Peterlee magistrates the next day and was remanded in custody, after the case was adjourned, to Newcastle Crown Court next Friday.