THE husband of a woman who was found dead in her North-East home has been charged with her murder.

Mother-of-four Susan Ann Forster, 51, was pronounced dead at her home in Gurlish West, Coundon, just 2am yesterday morning after being found unconscious with serious injuries.

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

Charles Forster, 62, of Gurlish West, in Coundon, has today been charged with her murder and remanded in police custody.

He is due to appear before South Durham Magistrates Court, in Newton Aycliffe, tomorrow morning.

Mrs Forster was mother to two daughters and two sons and worked at Howlish Hall Nursing Home, in Coundon.

Her children released a statement this morning which said: "She was a loving mother and we are devastated at losing her."

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.