Student, 33, arrested over murder of 47-year-old grandmother who was found stabbed in the neck

A STUDENT has been arrested in connection with the murder of a grandmother who was found stabbed in the neck.

Michelle Hanson, 47, was found dead at a house in Brady Street, Sunderland, on December 3.

Northumbria Police said Alexander Carr, 33, was arrested in London on Wednesday evening. He remains in police custody.

Hanson’s family released statement last week asking the public for help in getting justice for their mum

Her daughter Shannon Brown, 29, said: “It’s heartbreaking for us as a family to know we will never see her again.

“My mum was a caring, kind and loving person. She would never hurt anyone, even if someone did something to hurt her, she would forgive them because she always saw the good in people.

“Please, if you have any information which can help the police with their investigation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with them.”

Today Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, leading the police investigation, said: “First and foremost, our thoughts continue to be with Michelle’s family at this devastating time and our specially trained officers will continue to support them in any way we can.

“Her family deserve answers and we are committed to finding out what has happened and bringing anyone involved to justice.

“We would like to thank the public for their assistance so far and would ask anybody who has any information who hasn’t already come forward to contact police.

“We would also ask that people avoid any speculation that could jeopardise the ongoing investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police through the Tell Us Something page of the force’s website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20220312-0434.