Mystery of woman covered in blood

The woman told the driver early yesterday she had carried out a serious assault on a man and needed to get home.

When the motorist said that the police should be informed, the woman jumped out and hailed a taxi, in the Jolly Drover area of Leadgate, near Consett, County Durham. The taxi was then seen heading towards Stanley, on the A692.

Police were contacted and, 40 minutes later, officers went to a house in Reynolds Close, Stanley, where they arrested a 27-year-old woman on suspicion of assault.

She was taken to Consett police staton where she was being held last night.

The woman, who appeared to be unhurt, told police that she was earlier in the Trades Club, in Consett, late on Sunday night into yesterday morning, and left at about 1.20am.

But she was only able to give officers a confusing account of what happened next and how she came to be at Leadgate, more than two miles from the club.

Hospitals were contacted but all attempts to find a victim came to nothing.

Officers began a search of the area, drafting in rescue volunteers, in case a casualty was lying badly injured.

A team of 20 officers were working on the case last night and the man in charge, Detective Chief Inspector Andy Reddick, said it was difficult to be certain exactly what police were dealing with, until more information came to light.

"Due to the woman's distressed state and the amount of blood on her we have a major concern that someone could be seriously injured and in need of urgent medical treatment," he said.

"Because of this, we are conducting a thorough search of the area and appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

"We will treat any calls in the strictest of confidence."

Det Chief Insp Reddick added: "Quite obviously, something serious seems to have taken place."

Anyone with information is asked to call (01207) 504204, or the Crimestoppers line, anonymously, on 0800 555111.