In a tragic turn of events, officers are currently investigating the death of a woman in Sunderland, treating it as a suspected murder. Authorities have appealed for witnesses to come forward and assist in shedding light on the incident.

On Tuesday, at approximately 07.15, the local emergency services received a distressing report from the ambulance service regarding a woman in need of assistance at an address on Stockton Terrace. Tragically, the woman has been identified as 36-year-old Melissa Eastick, and she was found with injuries consistent with an assault. Despite the efforts of the emergency teams, Melissa was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Melissa’s next of kin have been notified and are being provided with support from specially trained officers.

As part of police inquiries, two men, aged 38 and 40, were apprehended on suspicion of murder. They have since been released on police bail, pending further investigation.

While the investigation is still in its early stages, authorities believe that those involved were acquainted with each other, and there is no immediate threat to the wider public.

Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious in the area or possesses CCTV or dash-cam footage related to the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation.

To provide information, individuals are encouraged to contact the police through the ‘Tell Us Something’ page on their official website or by calling 101 and quoting the reference number NP-20231017-0164.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, information can be shared with the independent charity Crimestoppers either by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting their website.