WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGES: Teenage girls found guilty of Angela Wrightson murder

The girls, aged just 13 and 14 at the time of the attack, were convicted after a seven-week trial at Leeds Crown Court.

The pair, now aged 14 and 15, both pleaded not guilty to the murder of Angela Wrightson in her home in Stephen Street, Hartlepool, in December, 2014.

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They were led from the court in tears after the jury delivered their verdict.

Ms Wrightson suffered more than 100 injuries and was beaten to death with a coffee table, shovel, television and a stick with screws, among other items.

Angela Wrightson

The court heard that Ms Wrightson, who was an alcoholic and would buy alcohol and cigarettes on behalf the girls, was found dead by her landlord, sitting on the sofa in her front room naked from the waist down.

Ash from burning paper was found in Ms Wrightson’s ear and shards of glass, gravel and grit was strewn around her lower body area.

Police have released images of a blood-stained TV and shovel found at the scene.

The court was told that the girls were picked up by police in the early hours of the morning, near the battered Ms Wrightson’s house and the 13-year-old took a picture of the two of them in the police vehicle, publishing it on the ‘Snapchat’ media site with the message; ‘me and (name) on the ‘bizzie’ van' - BELOW.

The trial was also told that one of the teenage girls had been told to ‘go kill herself’ by her own mother earlier on the day of the attack.

Detective Chief Supt Peter McPhillips, of Cleveland Police, said after the verdict: "This was a highly unusual and shocking incident. Throughout almost 25 years of service I have never come across such a brutal murder committed by such young girls.

"Angela was subjected to a prolonged, sustained attack and the pathologist identified a significant number of injuries to her body caused by at least twenty-five blows with weapons.

"Officers have worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and other partner agencies to build a case against the two girls and I am pleased that the overwhelming weight of evidence in the prosecution case has resulted in guilty verdicts today.

"In my experience this is an almost unique investigation in terms of the age of the offenders and the fact that they are girls.

"Many questions remain unanswered about the motive for the murder but the family of Angela who have had to endure the most shocking and traumatic details unfolding over the last few weeks will get some satisfaction from knowing that her killers have now been convicted of the killing.

"The Local Safeguarding Adult and Children Board have commissioned a Safeguarding Adult Review and a Serious Case Review, which hopefully will examine the circumstances leading up to the murder.

"The reviews will determine whether any lessons can be learned and the report will be made public."

A statement released by Angela Wrightson's family said: "It’s true that Angela (or Angie as she was known to us all) led a troubled and at times chaotic lifestyle. 

"And as a family we were not as close as we ought to have been. The chance to put that right has been taken away from us.

"Angie was attacked and brutally murdered in her own home, a place where we all have the right to feel safe.

"Listening to the details of her injuries and of her final moments has been a harrowing experience and something which will continue to haunt us each and every day.

"No sentence, regardless of its severity, will ever bring Angie back.

"The two girls responsible will one day be women themselves, free to live their lives and perhaps have children of their own. A right which was taken from Angie.

"We would like to thank the police and the prosecution team for their compassion and continued support throughout this difficult time.

"We’d also like to thank those people who gave evidence and spoke on Angie’s behalf in court. And if any positive can be taken from this experience it is the kindness displayed by those who knew Angie best. 

"Angie’s infectious personality touched the hearts of so many people and it is those fond memories which we continue to cherish as we attempt to move forward."