Woman arrested on suspicion of Hartlepool mum of three Kelly Franklin murder

Cleveland Police say they arrested the 48-year-old suspect this morning and she is in custody waiting to be questioned.

Ms Franklin, 29, was found in Oxford Road, Hartlepool, on Friday, August 3. She is believed to have been stabbed.

Torbjorn Kettlewell, 30, of Oval Grange, Hartlepool, pleaded not guilty to her murder when he appeared at Teesside Crown Court last month.

Cleveland Police said: "Detectives investigating the murder of 29 year old Kelly Franklin in Oxford Road, Hartlepool on the evening of Friday 3rd August have this morning arrested a 48 year old woman on suspicion of murder.

"She remains in police custody awaiting questioning."

Police say it is a re-arrest of a woman arrested soon after Kelly’s tragic death two months ago.

Kelly died at the scene close to a children’s play area near Chaucer Avenue despite the efforts of passers-by who tried to save her life.

The Mail reported how Army veteran Gary Reid and others rushed to Kelly when they heard cries for help after the attack in Oxford Road, Hartlepool, at around 9pm.

Her devastated family paid tribute to her as a ‘loving, caring, beautiful young mother’.

In a statement released in the days after her death they said: “Kelly Anne Franklin was such a loving, caring, beautiful young mother of three whose life has been tragically cut short.

“Kelly was always bursting with life, happiness and joy and you would not bump into her without seeing a beautiful smile on her face. She was loved by so many and always had time for others.

“Her three beautiful children were her most treasured things in her life and they are all in complete shock and horror that their mother’s life has been taken away from them and us so suddenly.”

Kettlewell is due to stand trial on January 4 next year. He is also charged with possession of a bladed article.

The case is expected to last a week and the court heard the central issue is likely to be one of diminished responsibility.