Police search for missing TV in Hartlepool murder investigation

Detectives investigating the murder of 79-year-old Norma Bell in Hartlepool are appealing to trace a television missing from her home.

Published 7th Apr 2016

Detectives investigating the murder of 79-year-old Norma Bell in Hartlepool are appealing to trace a television missing from her home on Westbourne Road. The television had been bought in November last year as a present for Norma’s Grandson and was in the box in her living room prior to the murder. The murder took place sometime between late evening on Saturday 2nd April and the morning of Sunday 3rd April at her home in Westbourne Road, Hartlepool. The television is a Digihome 49” black LED TV with Freeview.

Police would like to appeal to anyone who may know the whereabouts of the television or anyone who may have been offered it for sale to contact them. Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Alastair Simpson, said:

“We have established that a television which was bought for Norma’s Grandson is missing from the living room of the property. “That television is a Digihome 49” black LED television with freeview and it was still in the box. I am appealing to anyone who may have been offered this television for sale, or anyone who may know of its whereabouts, to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously.” A 32-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody today. Officers have secured a Magistrates warrant to detain the man in custody for a longer period of time.

Officers have reminded those in the local community with elderly or vulnerable neighbours or relatives to keep an eye on their wellbeing. They also reminded people not to let strangers into their home with first checking their identification. Anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious from late on Saturday evening into Sunday morning is asked to contact police. Anyone with information is also asked to call Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.