Detectives renew appeal for witnesses following death of woman in Hartlepool
Detectives have issued a fresh witness appeal after a 60-year-old woman died shortly after an altercation on a bus.
Alison Evans suffered a medical emergency and later died inside Coral bookmakers on York Road, Hartlepool, Tuesday, October 13.
Around 9.30am police received reports of an altercation between two women on board a number 7 Stagecoach bus travelling through the town centre.
Detectives are still trying to establish the full circumstances of what happened both on the bus and in the moments afterwards.
Police say they have carried out extensive inquiries, including the recovery of CCTV, witness inquiries and forensic examinations.
But investigators believe there are still a number of passengers and members of the public who witnessed events that have not yet come forward.
Detective Inspector John Bonner said: “Two weeks have passed since Alison sadly lost her life, and both her family and the investigation team continue to seek answers about exactly what happened that morning.
“We know there were several passengers travelling on the bus who witnessed all or part of the incident. We also know that several members of the public intervened during the confrontation between the two women.
“Despite extensive enquiries, some of those individuals remain unidentified.
“We are particularly keen to understand what was said, who said it, how the incident developed, and what happened after the two women left the bus and before Alison became unwell at Coral Bookmakers.
“We know there are people who may hold important information but perhaps believe they only witnessed a small part of the incident.
“What may appear insignificant to them could be extremely important to the investigation.”
DI Bonner said they are working to identify who was on the bus that morning, but is appealing for people to contact them as soon as possible.
He added: “We understand that some people may be reluctant to contact the police or may have concerns about becoming involved.
“We are happy to discuss those concerns and, where appropriate, put measures in place to protect and support witnesses. Information can also be provided anonymously.
“Most importantly, Alison's family deserve answers about what happened that morning."
A 26-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of manslaughter remains on conditional bail.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 or via the website quoting reference number 205074.