MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER AFTER BELOVED MUM FOUND DEAD ABOVE CITY PUB

A 44-year-old man has been charged with murder after a beloved mother was found dead in a flat above a pub in Darlington, leaving her family and colleagues devastated.

Leanne Park, 44, was found inside a flat above The Greyhound pub on Parkgate in Darlington, County Durham, on the evening of Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Emergency services were called to the scene at around 9:15 p.m.

Despite efforts by paramedics, Leanne was pronounced dead at the scene. Police subsequently launched a murder investigation.

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER

Andrew Bell, 44, of Darlington, has now been charged with Leanne’s murder, Durham Constabulary confirmed.

He was remanded in police custody and was due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday, September 28.

A second man, aged 27, was also arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

Police said he has since been released on bail while inquiries continue.

The charges are allegations at this stage, and the defendant is entitled to a fair trial.

FAMILY’S HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTE

Leanne’s family released a deeply emotional statement following her death.

They remembered her as “the best mam, nana, daughter, and friend we could wish for” and said she was loved by everyone who knew her.

The family described Leanne as someone who would do anything for other people.

They said she was “the life and soul of the party” and loved to dance.

“We love her so much and miss her more than words can describe,” the family said.

“We are completely devastated. Her death has ripped the heart out of our family.”

They also thanked members of the public for the messages of support they had received since Leanne’s death.

The family asked people to remember her for the kind-hearted woman she was.

TRIBUTES LEFT OUTSIDE THE PUB

A police cordon was established around The Greyhound following the discovery of Leanne’s body.

Specialist crime-scene investigators continued working at the location as detectives investigated the circumstances surrounding her death.

As news of the tragedy spread, members of the community began leaving flowers and emotional messages outside the pub.

One tribute described Leanne as a beautiful angel who had been “taken too soon.”

Another message, apparently from a relative, read:

“RIP our beautiful Auntie. You are so loved and going to be a huge miss.”

The tributes reflected the shock felt by people who knew Leanne and the wider Darlington community.

COLLEAGUES REMEMBER LEANNE

Leanne’s death has also left colleagues at Ventress Hall care home in Darlington grieving.

In a Facebook tribute, the care home described her as a friend and work colleague who was known for her kindness.

The home said Leanne would “do anything for anybody”, particularly for the residents she cared for.

Her colleagues said they were struggling to believe she was gone and expressed their condolences to her family.

They described her death as a devastating loss and said she would never be forgotten.

POLICE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Durham Constabulary has kept a cordon around the area while specialist investigators examine the scene.

Detectives are continuing to establish the circumstances surrounding Leanne’s death.

Police have appealed to anyone who may have information relevant to the investigation to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 521 of September 23.

For Leanne’s family, however, the investigation comes alongside an unimaginable personal loss.

A mother, grandmother, daughter and friend has been remembered by those closest to her as someone who brought kindness, energy and happiness into the lives of others.

As flowers continue to appear outside The Greyhound, the community waits for answers while Leanne’s loved ones begin the painful process of saying goodbye.

Andrew Bell has been charged with murder and the case is now before the courts. No finding of guilt has been made.