A police investigation is under way following the “unexplained” death of a woman.

Seventh Street, in Horden, has been cordoned off by Durham Constabulary after “a woman in her 40s was pronounced dead at the scene”.

The alleyway between Seventh Street and Eighth Street has also been taped off and crime scene investigators have been spotted.

Flowers have also been left in the area in tribute.

Crime Scene Investigators have also been spotted at the scene.

placeholder image — Crime Scene Investigators have also been spotted at the scene.

Durham Police said in a statement on Thursday evening: “Police were called at around 11.15am on Thursday, February 12, to reports of concern for the welfare of a woman on Seventh Street, Horden.

“Sadly, a woman in her 40s was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Her family have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

“The death is currently being treated as unexplained and a police cordon has been established at the scene while the circumstances are investigated.”

Seventh Street, in Horden, was cordoned off by police on Thursday, February 12.

A spokesperson for the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) said: “We received a call at 11.05am on Thursday, 12 February, to reports of an incident at a private address in Horden.

"We dispatched an ambulance crew, a specialist paramedic, a rapid response paramedic and a clinical team leader to the scene.”

A number of businesses in the immediate area have closed their doors to the public for the next few days including Horden Hub House, in Seventh Street, and Horden Centennial Centre, also in Seventh Street.