A MURDER inquiry has been launched following the death of a woman in County Durham.

Police officers and paramedics attended a terraced house in Gurlish West, Coundon, just after 2am today, following a call from a concerned neighbour.

They found 51-year-old Susan Ann Forster, who had sustained serious injuries and was unconscious.

Despite receiving medical attention, she was confirmed dead at the scene.

Police say the coroner has been informed and a post mortem is expected to be carried out later today by a Home Office pathologist at Darlington Memorial Hospital.

Scenes of crime officers are carrying out an examination of the house in which Mrs Forster was found.

The man leading the inquiry, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Goundry, appealed to anyone with information that might help the investigation to contact police.

An incident room has been set up at Bishop Auckland police station, which can be contacted on 0345-60-60-365 or call Crimestoppers on 0800-555-111.

A 62-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and is being held for questioning at Bishop Auckland police station.