THE tragic life of a young mother whose body was found in her bedroom emerged last night.

One woman and two men have been arrested and released on police bail in connection with the death of Katrina Armstrong, at her home in West Dyke Road, Redcar, east Cleveland.

It is believed her death could be drugs-related.

While officers continue their investigations into her death, neighbours have revealed the heartache suffered by the 32-year-old mother-of-three.

In 1990, her brother, Michael, was stabbed to death with a knife through the heart after a fight in Grangetown, near Middlesbrough.

His attacker was sentenced to seven years in prison after being found guilty of manslaughter. Three of Ms Armstrong's other brothers died of illness.

One neighbour, who said she had been a good friend, said: "She was particularly troubled when her brother, Robert, died from cancer.

"She was a nice girl who just couldn't get on the right path. She tried and tried but kept falling back - it's heartbreaking.

"We know drugs are a major problem around here, but this drugs business has got to stop.

"The people close to her must take this as a tragic lesson and learn by it."

Police found her body in bed at around 11.30am on Thursday after responding to a tip-off.

A post-mortem examination has proved inconclusive and samples have been sent away for analysis.

A detailed forensic examination of her house was under way yesterday as police continued their appeal for information.

A squad of 16 officers conducted house-to-house enquiries throughout the area on Thursday.

Detective Inspector Colin Galloway, who is heading the investigation, said: "A number of people were at the property on Wednesday night through in to Thursday morning when it is believed drugs were taken. Katrina's body was discovered late Thursday morning lying in her bed.

"We want to speak to anyone who visited the house on Wednesday night or in the early hours of Thursday or knows who may have been there.

"We have traced a number of individuals, but it is imperative that everyone who was there or has information makes contact."

It is believed Ms Armstrong had two daughters, aged 12 and nine, and a son, aged five.