MYSTERY last night continued to surround the death of a young woman who was found in her home.

Police have confirmed the body of the 28-year-old woman found in her bungalow at midnight on Thursday was that of Jacqueline Stabler.

Forensic experts had sealed off the house in The Brooms, Ouston, near Chester-le-Street, County Durham, and carried out a thorough search.

Police said there were no signs of a break-in or violence, but are keeping an open mind.

Detective Inspector Kevin Langan, of Chester-le-Street CID, said: "There were no signs of forced entry to the premises.

"A post-mortem examination has been conducted and there were no obvious signs of violence. The findings are inconclusive. However, we are keeping an open mind.

"Because of her age, we are duty bound to investigate.

"There will be further inquiries as a result of the post-mortem.

"Because there was nobody with her at the time and she had not been seen for a while, we need to trace people who may have seen her.

"We are keen to establish her movements between the evening of Saturday, June 25, and the evening of Thursday, June 30, and are appealing for witnesses and people who knew her to come forward to help with our inquiries."

Her body was found by her boyfriend, who had become concerned for her.

Police have conducted door-to-door inquiries and have spoken to staff at The Brooms pub, where Ms Stabler was known to drink with her boyfriend.

Neighbour Tracy Coyle, 39, said: "There has been no sign of her for the last three or so days, but her lights have been on, so the body may have been there for a while."

A spokeswoman from the pub said: "The police came into the pub because she was regularly in here.

"She had been coming in for about six months with her boyfriend. They were very much a couple."

Ms Stabler was 5ft 5in and had long, fair hair. She was last seen wearing a brown top, white skirt and beige calf-length suede boots.

Anyone with information has been asked to call 0845 606 0365.