A HAIRDRESSER found dying outside her city centre salon had been repeatedly stabbed inside the shop, police said last night.

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Ford played down speculation that the killer of devoted mother-of-three Sharon Bell used her own scissors in his frenzy.

The inquiry is focusing on her background, and officers believe it was not a random murder, although police have not revealed the name their prime suspect.

The 38-year-old victim, a divorced single mother, was discovered slumped in the doorway of the New York Hair Salon, in Newcastle city centre, at 5.20pm on Tuesday.

The area was busy with shoppers and office workers and police have spoken to many witnesses who were distraught at the scene.

Det Chief Insp Ford said: "We know that she was working alone in the shop. She was still alive at 5pm and we know that some time between then and 5.20pm, someone has entered the shop and carried out a horrific attack, using some form of sharp weapon, and subsequently left.

"Sharon then managed to come out of the shop, where she collapsed in the doorway and was found by a member of the public."

Det Chief Insp Ford paid tribute to Ms Bell, who leaves children Dale, 16, Natasha, 15, and six-year-old Fay.

He said: "She was a hard-working mother who had worked as a hairdresser all her life and was devoted to her children. Her life seemed to revolve around her children and work."

Det Chief Insp Ford said Miss Bell had contacted Northumbria Police a few months ago about an alleged domestic incident. He did not believe recent vandalism on her car were linked to the murder.

Det Chief Insp Ford, who has a team of officers examining security camera footage from the city centre, urged the killer to give themselves up.

Miss Bell's former husband, Jimmy Rice, the father of her two older children, said: "She was a lovely person and will be missed.

"I am just so upset by it."

Det Chief Insp Ford said: "Sharon's children are completely devastated by the loss of their mother and her family are offering every possible assistance to help find her killer."