A NORTH EAST pensioner is due to appear in court charged with murdering her husband.

Janet Dunn, 72, of Beech Court, Ponteland, is scheduled to appear before magistrates in Bedlington today (March 18), accused of killing 81-year-old Anthony Dunn, Northumbria Police said.

On Tuesday (March 15), the police force said that officers received reports of concern for the welfare of a man at an address in the Ponteland area of Northumberland at around 5.25pm.

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Emergency services attended the property in an attempt to save Mr Dunn’s life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Brooks, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is an awful case that has sadly resulted in Anthony’s death.

“Our thoughts are with his family as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened.

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“We are committed to finding out exactly what happened in the moments before Anthony’s death, and a team of detectives have been carrying out a range of inquiries in the area over the last few days.

“I would like to thank the community for your patience and co-operation as we have carried out those inquiries and would encourage anybody with concerns to speak to us.”

Mr Brooks added: “We understand that any incident such as this can cause shock within the community but, with a woman now charged and due to appear in court, we would ask everyone to please avoid any speculation – both locally and on social media – that could jeopardise those proceedings.”

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