LEANNE PARK: BELOVED MUM REMEMBERED AS “LIFE AND SOUL OF THE PARTY” AFTER DEATH ABOVE DARLINGTON PUB

A beloved mother and grandmother has been remembered as the “life and soul of the party” after she was found dead in a flat above a pub in Darlington.

Leanne Park, 44, was found at an address on Parkgate, above The Greyhound, at around 9:15pm on Wednesday, September 23, 2026.

Emergency services attended the property, but despite efforts to save her, Leanne was pronounced dead at the scene.

Her death sparked a murder investigation by Durham Constabulary.

Days later, her family released a heartbreaking tribute describing Leanne as a woman who was loved by everyone.

“THE BEST MAM, NANA, DAUGHTER AND FRIEND”

Leanne’s family said they were completely devastated by her death.

In a statement released through police, they described her as:

“The best mam, nana, daughter, and friend we could wish for.”

They said Leanne would “do anything for anyone” and was loved by everyone who knew her.

The family also remembered her lively personality.

“She was the life and soul of the party and loved to dance.”

They added:

“We love her so much and miss her more than words can describe.”

Her death, they said, had “ripped the heart out of our family.”

The family has also thanked people who have sent messages of support since Leanne’s death.

They asked the public to remember her for the “kind-hearted woman” she was.

POLICE LAUNCH MURDER INVESTIGATION

Durham Police were called to the Parkgate address shortly after 9:15pm on September 23.

Leanne was pronounced dead at the scene.

Specialist crime-scene investigators were then brought in as officers began examining the circumstances surrounding her death.

A police cordon was placed around the area and was expected to remain in place while forensic examinations continued.

At the beginning of the investigation, a 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder.

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

The 27-year-old was subsequently released on bail while the investigation continued.

MAN CHARGED WITH LEANNE’S MURDER

The investigation has since moved forward significantly.

Andrew Bell, 44, of Darlington, has now been charged with murder.

Durham Police said he had been remanded in custody and was due to appear at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on September 28.

Bell’s charge is an allegation at this stage and the criminal case will now proceed through the courts.

The 27-year-old man who had been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail.

Police have not publicly released details explaining the alleged circumstances of Leanne’s death.

TRIBUTES GROW OUTSIDE THE PUB

As news of Leanne’s death spread, members of the local community began leaving flowers and messages outside The Greyhound.

One tribute described her as someone who would always remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Another message 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 personally.

The pub and surrounding area remained connected to the investigation as police continued their forensic work.

COLLEAGUES REMEMBER A CARING WOMAN

Leanne’s death also prompted an emotional tribute from colleagues at Ventress Hall care home in Darlington, where she worked.

The care home described her as a friend and colleague who was always kind and willing to help others.

A statement from the home said Leanne would “do anything for anybody, especially our residents.”

Her colleagues said they could hardly believe they were having to announce her death.

They added that she would “never be forgotten” and sent their condolences to her family.

The tribute offered another glimpse into how Leanne was remembered outside her immediate family — as someone who cared deeply for other people.

A FAMILY LEFT HEARTBROKEN

Leanne’s relatives are now being supported by specialist family liaison officers.

For them, the investigation is taking place alongside the painful task of mourning a woman they described as a loving mother, grandmother, daughter and friend.

Her family said:

“We are completely devastated.”

They have asked people to focus on the person Leanne was during her life rather than allowing the circumstances of her death to define her memory.

A community fundraiser has also been established to support Leanne’s family following her death. The GoFundMe campaign was seeking £8,000 and had raised almost £7,000 from more than 300 donations at the latest available update.

POLICE CONTINUE TO APPEAL FOR INFORMATION

Durham Constabulary has continued to appeal for anyone who may have information about what happened to Leanne.

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

Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Investigators have not publicly disclosed every detail of the evidence gathered so far.

That means important questions surrounding Leanne’s death remain part of the ongoing criminal investigation.

REMEMBERED FOR WHO SHE WAS

The circumstances surrounding Leanne Park’s death have shocked her family and the Darlington community.

But amid the police investigation and court proceedings, her family has made clear how they want her to be remembered.

Not simply as the woman whose death triggered a murder investigation.

But as a mother, grandmother, daughter, friend and colleague.

As someone who would do anything for other people.

As someone who loved to dance.

And as the woman her family called the “life and soul of the party.”

Leanne was 44 when her life was suddenly cut short.

Her family now faces the difficult weeks and months ahead as the criminal case moves through the courts — while continuing to grieve the woman they say was loved by everyone.