A man has been charged with murder after the body of a woman was found at a North East address earlier this week.

Police were in attendance on Appledore Close in Gateshead at around 10:20pm following reports of a "disturbance" and found the body of 37-year-old Laura Robson.

Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Laura, who was found with injuries consistent with assault, was pronounced dead shortly after.

Ben Hughes, 38, of Appledore Close in Gateshead has been charged with her murder and will appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court today.

Northumbria Police have confirmed the charge as the investigation continues. 

A police statement reads: "A man has been charged with murder following the death of a woman in Gateshead.

"At around 10.20pm on Monday, police received a report of a disturbance at an address on Appledore Close, in the Greenside area.   

"Emergency services attended and found a woman – who can now be named as 37-year-old Laura Robson – with serious injuries consistent with being caused by an assault.

"Sadly, despite the efforts of paramedics she was pronounced deceased a short time later. Laura’s next of kin are being supported by specially-trained Family Liaison Officers.

"Following her death, officers launched a full investigation and arrested a 38-year-old man.

"The man, Ben Hughes, of Appledore Close, has now been charged with murder.

"He is due to appear before South Tyneside Magistrates’ Court today (Wednesday)."

Senior Investigating Officer in the case, Detective Chief Inspector Rebecca Fenney, of Northumbria Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: “I’d like to take this opportunity to reiterate that our thoughts remain with Laura’s family and friends at this devastating time.

“We are continuing to support them following this tragic incident and would ask that they are given time and privacy to process what has happened.”  

Detective Chief Inspector Fenney added: “A man has now been charged with Laura’s murder and is due to appear before court.

“I would ask that the public refrain from any speculation – both online and in the community – and respect the ongoing legal proceedings.

“Anyone who has information regarding our investigation which could assist us should still get in touch.”