A woman appeared in court today charged with murder as detectives continue trying to piece together the final movements of her former partner.

Louisa Ovington appeared before magistrates in Peterlee charged in connection with the death of father-of-three Maurice Hilton.

She was remanded in custody to appear before Newcastle Crown Court on Tuesday, January 17. Her solicitor made no application for bail. The 27-year-old was arrested at her home in Beechdale Close in Station Town, near Peterlee, County Durham in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Ambulance crews and police were called to the mid-terrace house shortly before 2am and found Mr Hilton, a 46-year-old divorcee, suffering from a single stab wound.

He was treated at the scene by paramedics and was taken to the University Hospital of Hartlepool but, despite the efforts of hospital staff, Mr Hilton died two hours later.

Ms Ovington was taken to Peterlee police station for questioning and was charged with murder yesterday afternoon.

Earlier in the day, the body of Mr Hilton had been formally identified by his 26-year-old eldest son, also called Maurice.

Mr Hilton was unemployed and lived in Dormant Villa in the village. Officers are still trying to piece together information about his movements and his social life over the last few weeks.

Detective superintendent Andy Reddick, the officer leading the inquiry, said he was anxious to hear from anyone who knew anything about Mr Hilton or his lifestyle.

He said: "Mr Hilton had a number of friends and associates, both in the Station Town area and across the North-East.

"We believe they could help give us an insight into his life and movements since the turn of the year.

"As well as speaking to people who can help piece together this picture of the man, we are also particularly anxious to speak to anyone who can tell us his whereabouts during Saturday night and Sunday morning."

Anyone with information is asked to ring the police on 0845 6060365 or anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.