No need for community to live in fear, says chief inspector, as attack not believed random

Emergency services were called to a house on Haughton Road at 12.30pm today after reports a woman had died at the address.

A post mortem is to be carried out to establish a cause of death for the victim, aged 80 and from Darlington.

Three local men, also from Darlington and aged 44, 40 and 33, were arrested at the scene and are currently being held on suspicion of murder.

A spokesperson for Durham Police said they are due to be interviewed tonight.

The dead woman has not been formally identified, but her name is known to The Northern Echo, is understood to be the landlady of the property.

Two of those arrested are believed to be tenants.

Speaking tonight, on condition of anonymity, her husband spoke briefly of his shock, saying she was "loved by all who knew her".

"We love her and that is tribute enough," he said.
"She was a lovely, hardworking woman and why anyone should want to hurt her, I dont know."

The area around the property, an end-terrace consisting of two flats, has been cordoned off so that a forensic examination can take place.

Police said house-to-house enquiries in the street are also underway.

The investigation is being led by Det Chief Insp Steve Chapman and an incident room has been opened at Bishop Auckland police station.

Speaking from the scene last night, Chief Insp Chris Reeves said: "It is obviously very tragic. Our hearts go out to the victim and the family.

"We got a call about 12.30pm this lunchtime. Officers attended very promptly and within minutes of arriving they had three local men arrested at the scene. Those are currently at police stations around the force area.

"We have got a team of around 40 specialist officers involved in this investigation and as a force we are committed to finding the truth and getting the offenders brought to justice."

Chief Insp Reeves said residents need not be concerned by the incident.

"When people here about this I can imagine the community being very alarmed and I understand that, but the reality is we strongly believe that this wasnt a random assault," he said. "I think the message I would like to get out is that the people of Darlington are safe in their homes and safe on the street for that matter."

Explaining what was happening this evening, he said: "It is fairly standard. We have crime scenes at the location here and the men who have been arrested are classed as a scene themselves so there is forensic evidence to be gathered.

"We have got officers going door to door around this area and obviously we are appealing for any witnesses.

"We have three men arrested, but we are keeping an open mind, so if there is anybody out there who does have information for us they should contact us on 101 or the Crimestoppers number, 0800 555111."

Builder Scott Wells, 32, a neighbour, said he knew the occupants of the house.

He said: "The rooms in the house were rented out separately. It was scruffy inside, badly kept. "There were two bedrooms upstairs and one downstairs.

"It was just a mess.

"I am shocked that this has happened on this street as it is fairly quiet. "There's no need for such a horrible thing to have happened to that poor old lady. It's terrible, and awful when you live so close."

Another neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said: "My boyfriend heard noises and what sounded like people arguing around midday.

"But we didn't think much of it because we often hear people shouting at the back of that house.

"I was really shocked when I heard what had happened."