A COMMUNITY last night spoke of their shock at the death of a 37-year-old married mother-of-two.

Joanna Luke suffered serious head injuries after being struck with a blunt instrument.

A 45-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder at the scene, a detached house in Priory Gardens, Willington, County Durham.

He was later released from custody and admitted to hospital, where last night he was waiting to undergo medical tests.

People in the town told of their concern for two children who lived at the house.

The youngsters, a boy and a girl, were last night believed to be being looked after by their grandmother.

One neighbour said: "All we can think about is the children. It is such a terrible thing to happen."

Another resident, county councillor Brian Myers, said: "It is hard to believe that something so dreadful could happen here. Everyone has been shocked by it.

"The thoughts of the whole community are with the children."

Police were alerted by the ambulance service shortly after 10pm on Sunday.

A spokesman said: "When the ambulance service arrived, they found the 37-year-old victim unconscious in the living room, having clearly sustained a serious head injury.

"Paramedics gave emergency first aid at the scene before rushing the woman by ambulance to the University Hospital of North Durham.

"She died not long after being admitted there."

A post-mortem examination, conducted by Home Office pathologist Dr James Sunter yesterday, concluded that Mrs Luke had died from her head injuries, which had been inflicted by a blunt instrument.

Crime scene investigators carried out a detailed forensic examination at the house yesterday.

Acting Detective Superintendent Neil Malkin, who is leading the inquiry, said:"We would like to hear from any residents in the area who might have useful information, especially if they heard noises of a disturbance from number 21 Priory Gardens at any point during Sunday evening."

Anyone with information is asked to call 0845 60 60 365 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111