A care worker, Leanne Park, aged 44, was found dead above The Greyhound pub in Darlington at approximately 9.15pm on 23 September. Andrew Bell, 44, has been charged with her murder and is due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court. A second man, aged 27, was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender but has been released on bail.

Durham Constabulary specialist investigators are examining the crime scene, with a police cordon expected to remain in place whilst the investigation continues. Ms Park's family paid tribute to her as a beloved mother, grandmother and friend, describing her as kind-hearted and someone who was loved by everyone and would do anything for others. The family expressed their devastation at her death, stating it has "ripped the heart out of" their family.