Man Charged in Darlington Murder Investigation
Andrew Bell faces murder charge; victim identified as Leanne Park.
A man has been charged with the murder of a woman found dead by police in Darlington on Wednesday. Andrew Bell, 44, of Darlington, is accused of killing Leanne Park, also 44. Police were called to an address in Parkgate where Park was pronounced dead at approximately 9:15 p.m. BST.
Park's family issued a statement describing her as "the best mam, nana, daughter and friend we could wish for."
Bell is scheduled to appear before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Monday. A 27-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail, according to Durham Police.
Crime scene investigators are continuing their work at the scene, and a police cordon is expected to remain in place for some time. Detectives are urging anyone with information regarding the murder to come forward.