A FORMER partner of stabbed hairdresser Sharon Bell was being questioned last night in connection with the city centre murder.

Police last night arrested a 44-year-old Gateshead man following the frenzied attack on the mother-of-three in the New York Barber hairdressing salon in Nelson Street, Newcastle, on Tuesday afternoon.

The arrested man is understood to be Brian Whitfield, formerly of Mount Pleasant Gardens, Gateshead.

Friends said divorcee Ms Bell, 38, of Belgrave Parade, Elswick, had been receiving harassment in her private life for several months.

The hard-working mother was cashing up at the salon alone at about 5pm when she was confronted by an attacker and repeatedly stabbed with a sharp weapon.

She staggered outside bleeding heavily and collapsed in the doorway. Passers-by, including a patrolling police officer, came across the stricken mum as she lay dying.

Police checked CCTV footage in and around Nelson Street to see if the killer was caught on camera.

Detective Chief Inspector Roger Ford, who is leading the murder investigation, said yesterday: "A 44-year-old man has been arrested and will be questioned further.

"We have 24 hours from the time of the arrest and also a further 12 hours has been granted.

"A number of items have been recovered in and around the vicinity of the crime scene and they are being forensically examined."

Single parent Ms Bell was devoted to her three children, Dale, 16, Natasha, 15 and Fay, six.

Members of the public gave her first aid before paramedics arrived. She was taken to Newcastle General Hospital where she received treatment for multiple stab wounds, but died a short time later.

Police have said she was stabbed with a sharp instrument, but it is now not thought to have been scissors.