INVESTIGATIONS were continuing last night into the death of a mother-of-four who was fatally injured in her North-East home early yesterday.

Police and paramedics were dispatched to a terraced house in Gurlish West, Coundon, County Durham, shortly after 2am, following a call from a concerned neighbour.

They found 51-year-old Susan Ann Forster, who had sustained serious injuries and was unconscious. Despite medical attention, she was confirmed dead at the scene.

A 62-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and was being questioned at Bishop Auckland police station last night.

The man is believed to be Mrs Forster’s husband, who was named locally as Charlie Forster.

Two houses in the street were cordoned off as scenesof- crime officers examined the house where Mrs Forster was found. The curtains remained drawn and blinds were closed.

Several police officers guarded the house.

One neighbour, who did not want to be identified, said: “I did not know Susan very well, she was a quiet woman who kept herself to herself.

“But she was always pleasant and we passed the time of day whenever we met in the street.”

Another neighbour, who helped Mrs Forster with her shopping, said: “I am still in shock, she was such a nice lady.

“She didn’t drive, so I used to take her to the shops when I went. Sometimes she’d knock to ask if I would take her.”

Mrs Forster is thought to have worked full-time as a carer at a nearby nursing home.

A post-mortem examination was being carried out by a Home Office pathologist at Darlington Memorial Hospital last night.

The officer 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, in confidence, on 0800-555-111.