Police find missing television in Norma Bell murder investigation

The 79-year-old was found dead at her home on Sunday after reports of a fire.

Detectives say the murder took place sometime between late evening on Saturday and the morning of Sunday at her home in Westbourne Road in Hartlepool.

A Digihome 49” black LED TV had been bought in November last year as a present for Norma’s grandson and was in the box in her living room prior to the murder.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Superintendent Alastair Simpson, said: “Yesterday, we released an appeal to trace a television which was missing from Norma Bells’ home. Following that appeal, we were contacted by a member of the public in the Hartlepool area and the television was traced.

“I’d like to thank everyone that contributed in assisting the appeal by sharing it on social media. The television is a key line of inquiry in this investigation.”

A 32-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody today. Officers have secured a Magistrates warrant to detain the man in custody for a longer period of time.

Again, police would appeal to anyone who may have seen or heard anything suspicious from late on Saturday evening into Sunday morning to contact them. Anyone with information is asked to call Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.