POLICE investigations are continuing following an unexplained death and an unrelated stabbing in County Durham over the weekend.

Andrea Maughan, 39, was found unconscious by police and paramedics at her home in Coronation Avenue, Tow Law, on Friday night.

She was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham where she later died.

She worked as a carer and had four children aged between 7 and 16.

Police suspect drugs may have been used at the property and arrested two men, aged 19 and 23 in connection with Mrs Maughan's death.

They have been released from custody while enquiries continue and toxicology samples have been sent away for testing.

Meanwhile, a man who was stabbed following an incident in Alston Walk, Newton Aycliffe on Saturday night remains in a serious but stable condition in Darlington Memorial Hospital.

A 21-year-old local man, who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder remains in custody at Spennymoor police station.

Actg Det Insp Neil Jones renewed his appeal for witnesses, and said police were still trying to establish what had led up to the incident, which resulted in two groups of people fighting with each other.

Trouble began in the street at about 9.40pm on Saturday and saw up to a dozen people involved.

Anyone with information should ring CID on 0345-6060-365 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.