Police name murdered Sunderland woman as manhunt continues

A murder investigation is ongoing after officers received a report of concern for the welfare of a woman inside an address on Brady Street at 12.30pm on Saturday.

Emergency services attended and a woman – 47-year-old Michelle Hanson – was found deceased inside having suffered injuries to her neck consistent with having been caused by a bladed article.

Read more: Reward offered in police hunt for Alexander Carr

Today, Michelle’s heartbroken family have released an image of her.

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, of Northumbria Police, said: "We are treating Michelle’s death as murder and a full investigation has been ongoing since her death.

"This is absolutely devastating for Michelle’s family and our thoughts remain with them at this awful time.

Police are hunting for Alexander Carr (Image: Picture: Handin)

"We will offer them any support they need as they attempt to come to terms with the events of the last week. It has been understandably difficult for them and we would ask that their privacy is respected by everyone.

"Ever since this incident, we have been determined to locate those responsible and we will look to bring effective justice against anybody found to have been involved.

"A significant number of enquiries have been carried out in the area since Saturday and we would like to thank the victim’s family for their patience and cooperation, as well as the wider public who have supported our investigation."

Officers have identified Alexander Carr, 32, as a key individual that they want to speak to in connection with Michelle’s murder.

Extensive searches are being carried out across the North East this week in a bid to locate Carr and bring him into custody.

Carr – who has links across Tyne & Wear as well as Northumberland – is thought to know he is wanted and is believed to be actively evading arrest.

Independent charity Crimestoppers have issued a £10,000 reward for any information submitted exclusively to them that helps leads to Carr’s arrest.

Members of the public are urged not to approach Carr, but instead alert officers immediately if they have seen him or know of his whereabouts.

Anyone with information that can assist the search for Carr is asked to report it to police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 999 quoting log NP-20221203-0434.

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If you wish to pass on information anonymously and be eligible for the £10,000 reward, please do so by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org or call 0800 555 111.