The family of Leanne Park have paid tribute to the mother and grandmother after she was found dead at a property in Darlington, describing her as the "best mam, nana, daughter and friend we could wish for."
Leanne Park was pronounced dead after emergency services were called to a property on Parkgate at around 9.15pm on Wednesday, September 23. Detectives have since launched a murder investigation, according to Chronicle Live.
Family's tribute
Her family said in a statement: "Leanne was just the best mam, nana, daughter and friend we could wish for. She was loved by everyone and would do anything for anyone. 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. We are completely devastated. Her death has ripped the heart out of our family."
Leanne's relatives, who are receiving support from specialist family liaison officers, added: "We are grateful for all the kind messages and the support since her death. We ask that everyone remembers her for the kind-hearted woman she was."
Community tributes and investigation
Flowers were laid outside the Greyhound pub earlier this week in the wake of her passing. Heartfelt messages have flooded social media, while touching notes have accompanied the bouquets placed outside the venue.
One tribute reads: "To our beautiful, funny, kind-hearted, wonderful Leanne. I'm so heartbroken you are gone. Thank you for everything." Another expressed: "To Leanne, taken far too soon. Will never be forgotten."
The investigation remains active, with a 44-year-old man held in police custody on suspicion of murder. A 27-year-old man, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, has been released on bail.
Specialist forensic teams continue to scrutinise the scene, which remains cordoned off and is expected to do so for the foreseeable future. Those with any relevant information are urged to contact Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 521 of September 23. Alternatively, details can be passed on anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
