A woman in her 40s was found dead in an address in a North East town before police launched an investigation into the unexplained event.

Soon before 12.30pm yesterday (Saturday, December 3) officers received a report of concern for the welfare of a woman inside an address on Brady Street.

Emergency services attended the scene and a woman as sadly found dead inside the address.

Police are currently treating the death as unexplained and her next of kin has been informed.

Specially-trained family liaison officers will continue to offer them any support they need.

As enquiries into the death continue, police are appealing to the public for more information as they look to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the incident.

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Detective superintendent Jane Fairlamb, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is clearly an absolutely awful time for the woman’s family and all our thoughts remain with them as they attempt to come to terms with the events of the last 24 hours.

“I would ask that their privacy is respected as we continue to carry out a full investigation into the woman's death.

“An increased police presence remains in the area as officers continue to carry out a range of enquiries, and anyone with any concerns is encouraged to speak to them.

“I am today appealing to the wider public for information. If you believe you have any information relating to this incident that you feel may aid our investigation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of their website or by calling 101.

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