Teenager bailed after death quiz
A TEENAGER arrested on suspicion of the unlawful killing of a 54-year-old woman has been bailed by police.
The 16-year-old was arrested at an address in Ashfields New Road, Newcastle, on Sunday afternoon, following the woman's "unexplained" death.
He was quizzed by detectives at the Northern Area Custody Facility in Etruria, but has now been bailed pending further inquiries.
Police have not yet released the name of the dead woman, as she has not been formally identified.
A police spokesman said: "The arrested person has been bailed pending further inquiries until mid-April. He was arrested on suspicion of unlawful killing."
The spokesman said a post mortem examination would probably take place today.
Police have referred the matter to North Staffordshire Coroner Ian Smith, who is expected to open an inquest this week.
Residents in Ashfields New Road said they only became aware something had happened in their street once the emergency services arrived.
They say scene of crime officers conducted a thorough search of the terrace property.
Neighbour William Eaton, aged 64, of Ashfields New Road, said he had seen the arrested teenager at the address before.
He said: "At about 2pm they brought the lad out. I always thought he was a relative or something, because I'd seen him visit her before. He seemed quiet and subdued. They didn't have him in handcuffs. He just walked to the police car and then they drove off.
"They must have been searching the house for three hours. There were a few police cars, a police van and lots of forensics people about. It has all been quiet since though.
"I didn't really know the woman myself. I knew her face, but I didn't know her name. She was friendly enough.
"This is a really quiet area, especially at weekends, so it was a surprise to see all the police here."
Nisha Bolt, aged 19, said the death had been a shock.
She said: "I didn't know the lady very well, only to say hello to. She was a really nice, pleasant woman. What's happened is really sad."
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact police on 0300 1234455 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
5 Comments
by Mick Penning, newcastle, staffs
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 9:54PM
“How admiral. How respectful.
Whether the 'teenager' is a lad or a girl is not irrelevant?
Not irrelevant to the facts of 'who done it'? (maybe) -but to those who like me -take an interest in dramatic social events/incidents -then it's very relevant.
The very fact that it is usual to refer to the gender -makes the omission questionable.
I think you got a bit too excited in listing such as 'the clothes he/she was wearing -the Police weren't looking for a suspect.
The others on the list you mentioned -ethnicity etc -what are you going on about? Calm down.
I am obviously a little more curious than you -but not that curious.
Then again, I wonder if they like gardening?”
by Rustinho, Silverdale
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 1:54PM
“...or maybe it's irrelevant to the story? After all, it doesn't mention the teenager's ethnic background, religion, their occupation, the clothes they were wearing, whether they own a dog, if they drive a car or whether they have a talent for flower arranging.
"Teenager" is descriptive enough for me in the circumstances and maintains the individual's anonymity until formal charges are decided upon.
My sympathy to the family and friends of the deceased woman.”
by Mick Penning, newcastle, staffs
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 1:13PM
“I read the initial report on this yesterday too.
Interestingly it referred to a 'teenager' being interviewed the the death -but said nothing of the gender.
The same with today's report -'the teenager'.
It's not until we read on down that we realise it is a male, because one of the neighbour's referred to 'him' when speaking of the 'teenager involved'.
I don't know if it was Police protocol that the Sentinel was following in not disclosing the gender, or just a simple 'oversight' on the part of the Reporter/Editorial?”
by Rustinho, Silverdale
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 1:04PM
“Pauline - do not feed the troll. :)”
by Pauline, Trentham
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 11:46AM
“Wayne - hold your head in shame...what a dreadful comment. It makes no difference where a person lives such an occurance must be very upsetting for everyone involved....may the victim rest in peace.”