A 45-year-old woman was last night charged with the murder of her husband at their flat in South Frederick Street, South Shields, on Thursday.

Jacqueline Williamson, is due to appear before South Tyneside magistrates this morning.

It is reported John Joseph Williamson, 59, died from a single stab wound.

Police cordoned off the area around the flat while forensic examinations were carried out.

An incident room has been established at South Shields police station and house-to-house inquiries are under way.