Murdered Redcar woman Lynne Freeman 'always put others before herself'

The children of one of two women found murdered in Redcar have said their mother always put others before herself.

Lynne Freeman, 46, died following an attack on Wednesday. Jodie Betteridge, 30, died after a second assault just minutes later, police have said.

Mrs Freeman's children - Sarah Helm, 28, James Helm, 27, Kimberley Helm, 25 and Lauren Freeman,18, - issued a statement through police which said: "We shouldn't have to be writing a tribute to our mother who was taken from us so early. She should still be here to watch her four kids and grandkids grow.

"She was thriving in life and loved the volunteer work that she did in her church, and as a street angel for Redcar Beacons, always putting others before herself. She adored every one of her children and loved being a Grandma.

"She wore her heart on her sleeve, always made an effort for people and she really would go the extra mile. She gave so much and never asked for anything in return and we'll always be proud of her.

"You are loved beyond words and an amazing soul never dies, you'll never understand how much you will be missed. Our mother was always the angel looking after others but now the angels are looking after her. We love you so much mam."

Earlier, Cleveland Police confirmed that magistrates had granted detectives more time to question a 34-year-old man who was arrested in connection with the two murders.

He was arrested shortly after the incidents.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said: "Police attended Teesside Magistrates' Court last night where magistrates authorised an extension of his detention.

"This allows the investigation team to detain the man for a further period of time while they continue their inquiries.

"We are aware that two women have been named locally as the victims and, while formal identification has not yet taken place, we believe the victims are 46-year-old Lynne Freeman and 30-year-old Jodie Betteridge.

"Their families are receiving appropriate support from specially trained officers."

He said a post mortem examination has taken place regarding one victim and the post mortem examination for the other victim is due to take place later.

Officers said they they 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.

Paying tribute to Miss Betteridge, Theresa Largan, 51, said that Jodie was like one of her own children.

"Jodie lived for her kids," she said. "I don't think I ever saw her on her own, she always had the tribe with her. I just want the family to know that we are all thinking of her and them."

A floral tribute for Jodie was left near the scene at Byland Close. The flowers dedicated to her said that "thoughts are with your beautiful children".