The children of a much-loved mother, who was visiting Newcastle from Singapore, have described how they have been left ‘truly devastated’ following her tragic death.

Northumbria Police received a report of concern for a woman at an address on the city’s Westgate Road shortly before 7.15am on Monday.

Emergency services arrived and found 51-year-old Pek Ying Ling was not breathing.

Despite attempts to save her life, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

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An investigation was launched, and officers arrested her husband, Soong Hert Fong, on suspicion of murder.

The 50-year-old was charged with murder overnight on Monday and has been remanded in custody until his next court appearance on January 11.

Pek’s three sons are being supported by the force’s specially-trained family liaison officers as they attempt to come to terms with their loss.

In a joint family statement, they said: “The whole situation is a huge shock to us. We were supposed to meet up for a family holiday, we are truly devastated. This is an incredibly difficult time for us so we ask that our privacy is respected while we grieve.”

Police have asked people to avoid any speculation about the case, which could impact the ongoing court proceedings.

Detective Inspector Matt Steel said: “First and foremost, I want to express sincere condolences to Pek’s children, family and loved ones, both here in the UK and back in her native Singapore.

“The family have asked for their privacy to be respected so they can grieve this most tragic loss, and we ask that their wish is respected.”

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