Man charged with murder after shop worker ‘attacked’

A 19-year-old man has been charged with murdering a shop worker who was allegedly attacked at a late-night convenience store.

Joan Hoggett, 62, died in hospital after an incident at the One Stop Shop in Fulwell, Sunderland, on Wednesday evening.

Northumbria Police said Ethan Mountain, of Heaton Gardens, South Shields, has been charged with murder and will appear at Newcastle Crown Court on Saturday.

Superintendent Paul Milner, of Northumbria Police, said: "This is a really tragic incident which we recognise has had a significant impact on the local community.

"A 19-year-old man has today been charged with murder and will appear before the courts.

"Our thoughts go out to Joan's family at this terribly difficult time.

"We have specialist officers on hand to offer them any support they may need.

"My message to the public is one of reassurance. This has been an isolated incident and there is no wider threat to the community.

"I'd like to thank the public for their patience and co-operation since the incident, and a lot of people have come forward to help police with the ongoing investigation."