POLICE investigating the murder of a woman who lay dead in her house for three weeks before being found, have had a poor response to their appeals for help.

Officers spoke out as the probe continued into the death of mother-of-five Christine Longworth, who was found dead from stab wounds in her terraced house in Chopwell, near Gateshead.

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin said last night: "We know Chopwell is a close-knit community and we are renewing our appeal for residents to contact us if they knew Christine - even if only slightly.

"We need to build a picture of how she spent her days, and who her friends and acquaintances were - and to speak to anyone who had contact with her over the last two years."

Neighbours described Ms Longworth, 36, as well-liked, but said she remained an enigmatic figure in the former mining community where she settled about two years ago.

It is believed she was attacked in her privately-rented home in William Street some weeks ago - possibly at the start of the year. Her body was discovered on Tuesday.

Ms Longworth, who frequently went walking, was never seen with anybody else. She often wore a distinctive black or blue Puffa jacket.

She lived previously in Gateshead and Washington and police are keen to speak to former partners.

Anyone with information is asked to contact 0191-214 6555.