A WOMAN has been charged with murder after a man is thought to have been stabbed with death.

Helena Karine Atay, 42, of Jasmine Terrace, Birtley, is due to appear in court today after the death of Atakan Atay, 45.

Police were called at 11pm on Thursday to a property in Jasmine Terrace.

Emergency services attended the scene and found the man with injuries consistent with a stabbing. He was worked on by paramedics but the man was sadly pronounced dead soon after.

The 42-year-old woman has been in police custody since Thursday evening.

She will appear  before Newcastle Crown Court later on Saturday morning, charged with murder.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Inspector Sharon Chatterton, said: “A murder investigation is always tragic for those involved and our thoughts go out to family at this very difficult time.

“We have had extra officers on patrol in the area concerned because we appreciate the impact that this kind of incident can also have upon the wider community.

“We want to reassure the public that this is being treated as an isolated incident and a woman has now been charged in connection with Atakan’s death.

“We will remain in the area of Jasmine Terrace in the coming days and anyone with information that may be useful to police is asked to call 101.”

If you have any information about this incident, please contact police by calling 101 quoting log number 1335 18/10/18 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.