Woman's body found in house

A murder inquiry has started after the body of a mother-of-five was found in a house on Tyneside.

Northumbria Police were called to the house in William Street, Chopwell, Gateshead, on Tuesday morning.

They were alerted by neighbours that the woman who lived there had not been seen since shortly after Christmas.

They found the body of 33-year-old Christine Longworth.

Following a post mortem examination, Home Office pathologist Dr Nigel Cooper said her death was due to multiple stab wounds.

Last movements

Detective Superintendent Barbara Franklin said: "This appears to have been a vicious attack and at this stage the motive is unclear.

"We are now trying to piece together Christine's last known movements and are interested in talking to any of her friends or associates as well as tracing recent visitors to her home.

"Although she was not well known by name in the area, she often took long walks, usually wearing a black puffa-type jacket."

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.