A SCHOOLBOY has spoken of his love for his mother only days after she was killed in an attack at her North-East home.

Ten-year-old Kieran Luke asked his grandfather and aunt to speak on his behalf to say how much he loved his mother, Johanna Luke, who died from head injuries in her home, in Willington, County Durham, on Sunday night.

Mrs Luke's sister, Susan Ashton, told The Northern Echo yesterday that her nephew had asked her to make the statement.

She said: "He told me to say that he loves his mammy very much and he is sorry that he never got to say goodbye."

The youngster and his 17-year-old sister, Kimberley, are being looked after by relatives as they try to come to terms with the death of the bubbly 37-year-old accountant, who worked for the charity Waddington Street Centre in Durham City.

Mrs Ashton and the sisters' father, Norman Barker, spoke out in the hope their story would encourage more people to come forward to help police with their inquiries.

Mrs Ashton said: "Jo's children are obviously extremely devastated and they are both being very well cared for and looked after by the family.

"We are all pulling together and doing what we can to make sure that they are okay.

"They are staying with relatives and they are being very strong. They are both doing really well.

"Jo was very close to the children. She dedicated her life to both of them. They were inseparable, they did everything together."

Mr Barker said the fact that the family was close meant they were able to draw comfort from each other.

He said: "I idolised her and I am finding it very difficult to cope. We had a special relationship. But I am drawing strength from the family and the fact that we are so close. My partner has also been a rock for me.

"She (Johanna) loved her job, and she was the centre of everything at work. Her colleagues are devastated and so are her friends."

Mr Barker added: "The police have been absolutely brilliant. We would like anyone to come forward with anything, no matter how small it may seem."

Acting Detective Superintendent Neil Malkin said fresh information had come to light detailing Mrs Luke's final hours.

He said there had been a disturbance outside Mrs Luke's home before she drove her daughter to Durham City, where the teenager was meeting friends. She then returned to Willington's Rosedale Estate, where she visited a friend.

A man was seen knocking on doors on the estate and asking about her, before a disturbance started in the Bainbridge Avenue area.

Acting Detective Superintendent Malkin said: "We are aware there was someone creating a disturbance in that area and that Mrs Luke did become involved in it.

"We want to hear from anyone who may have seen Mrs Luke or witnessed the disturbance."

A man, believed to be the victim's husband, Michael, 45, was arrested on suspicion of murder but was later released and admitted to hospital where he is awaiting medical tests.

He has not been charged.

Witnesses are asked to call police on 0845 60 60 365, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.