Police questioning woman after man's body is found

Police and paramedics were called to Bede Avenue, on Sherburn Road Estate, Dur-ham, at 6.40am yesterday after a 999 call from a neighbour.

They found the 32-year-old's body on the stairs.

The victim -Philip Hewitt, a father of three young children -lived at the terraced house with his partner, Teresa Milburn, also known as Teri.

A 32-year-old woman was arrested at the scene and was last night being questioned.

The house, which is owned by a housing association, was cordoned off to allow crime scene investigators to search of the property, as officers made house-to-house inquiries.

A post-mortem examination was last night being conducted by a pathologist at the city's University Hospital of North Durham to find out the cause of death. The results are expected to be released today.

Detective Superintendent Neil Malkin, who is heading a team of about 30 detectives investigating the incident, said the death was being treated as suspicious.

He appealed for help in piecing together what had happened, and said the help of residents on the estate could prove vital.

He said: "There was a considerable amount of blood at the scene and the results of the post-mortem should establish how and when the victim died.

"In the meantime, I am keen to hear from anyone in Bede Avenue who may have heard sounds of a disturbance taking place during Monday night or even into the early hours of Tuesday morning.

"For the time being, this remains a murder-style inquiry.

"Obviously the results of the post-mortem will play a huge part in dictating the nature of our inquiries over the next few days.''

Neighbours last night said the victim was well known for his black coat, glasses and cowboy hat.

One neighbour said: "They always dressed in black, both of them, whatever the weather."

Another neighbour said: "I think he had a good job . He always had a good car."

Anyone with information has been asked to call 0845 60 60 365, ext 2236, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.