A MAN will appear in court this morning following the death of a woman in Barnard Castle on Saturday evening.
Emergency services were called Bowes Lyon House at 6pm.
Jane Collinson, 59, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A police spokesperson said: “Her family are being supported by specialist officers and have asked for privacy at this difficult time.”
An investigation was immediately launched by Durham Police and officers swiftly arrested a 60-year-old man in connection with the incident, the spokesperson said.
Scene of crime officers spent several days at Bowes Lyon House, which offers retirement accommodation and sheltered housing for older people.
Stephen Patrick Ansbro was taken into custody to be questioned by detectives and was charged with murder on Tuesday afternoon.
He was remanded into custody to appear at Newcastle Magistrates’ Court today.
Mr Ansbro also lived in a flat at Bowes Lyon House.
One resident, who had known Ms Collinson for the past four years, said the close-knit Bowes Lyon House and Dunelm Court community is in shock following the death.
He said: “She was a nice lady who kept to herself. She was helpful and kind.”
