Man arrested after two women killed in separate attacks

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering two women in separate attacks.

Cleveland Police received a report that a woman had been seriously injured at an address in Mapleton Crescent, Redcar, at 8.45pm on Wednesday evening.

Just seven minutes later, at 8.52pm, a second report was received from a member of the public reporting that a woman was being violently assaulted in Byland Close.

Police said both women died after suffering serious injuries.

A 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of two counts of murder a short time after the incidents. He is currently in police custody.

Any witnesses or anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to contact Cleveland Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Police declined to say whether or not it was a domestic incident, and did not give any indication of what age the women were.

One neighbour, who lives in Mapleton Crescent and wished to remain anonymous, told the Press Association that a woman has lived at the address which has been cordoned off for around 12 months and has a son.

"She is disabled, I think - carers come and go," she said.

"We are all so friendly here, but she was a one-off. We didn't really see her or hear her.

"It is very quiet around here - we are all nice people on this close, it has come as a bit of a shock."

A semi-detached bungalow was cordoned off in Mapleton Crescent, with two uniformed police officers standing guard.

Neighbour Dora Gillespie, 74, said the woman who lived there had been at the property for about a year following the death of the previous, elderly resident.

The neighbour said: "It's very, very shocking. We've not had owt like this round here."

Mrs Gillespie heard nothing last night, having closed her blinds and watched television, and the first she knew was after hearing of the incident on the news this morning.

Leonie Ing, 92, who lives opposite the bungalow, said the victim was disabled and had visits from a carer.

The former Post Office worker said: "I didn't know the lady.

"I once saw her walking down the road with her son and his girlfriend.

"They stayed with her when she first moved."

Mrs Ing said the neighbour lived alone latterly.