Man arrested over murder of Hartlepool OAP Norma Bell

Cleveland Police arrested the 32-year-old overnight in connection with the death of 79-year-old Norma Bell, whose body was discovered at her home in Westbourne Road on Sunday.

He remains in custody,

Officers leading the investigation have confirmed she had died before a fire was reported at the property.

An amount of cash - said to be in the hundreds of pounds - appears to have been taken from her home.

Norma’s handbag which also appeared to be missing from the address has since been found in the house.

She had lived at the address for 27 years and was due to celebrate her 80th birthday next month.

The mum-of-three was a foster mother to more than 50 children.

Anyone with information can call Cleveland Police on 101 or contacting Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”