Murder investigation launched in Gateshead.
Police have launched a murder investigation after a body of a woman was found in Gateshead. At around 6.30pm on Wednesday evening police received report of concern for the welfare of a 24-year-old woman at an address on Rawlings Road in Gateshead. Emergency services attended and found the woman suffering with serious injuries. She was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Officers have been carrying out enquiries to establish the exact circumstances around how the woman died and a cordon is currently in place. This evening officers have arrested a 25-year-old man on suspicion of murder and he currently remains in police custody. This is believed to be an isolated incident and those involved are known to each other. There is not believed to be any danger to the wider public. The victim's next of kin have also been informed and specialist officers are supporting her family at this difficult time. There was previous police contact with the victim and so, as a matter of course, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) have been informed of the incident. Extra officers are in the area to carry out house-to-house enquiries and to reassure any concerned members of the public. If anyone did see anything suspicious in the area this afternoon then they should contact police on 101 quoting reference number 843 12/10/16.