A WOMAN who was found dead at her home sparking a murder inquiry had been stabbed, police said.

The body of Tina Casey, 42, of Wallridge Drive in Holywell, was found in her home by police on Monday.

Detectives were led to the terraced house after a car crashed into a lamppost on Bertram Place in Shiremoor, North Tyneside, on the same day.

Officers making investigations at the scene of the accident, which happened shortly after 11am on Monday, found items in the car which led them to make the grim discovery in the Holywell home.

Police forced their way into Ms Casey’s home and her body was found.

A post-mortem carried out on Tuesday established that the cause of death was stab wounds.

Inquiries are ongoing and two people, a 32-year-old man and a 57-year-old woman, were arrested on Monday on suspicion of murder.

The 32-year-old man has now been bailed. The 57-year-old woman, who was the driver of the car which crashed in Shiremoor, remains in hospital in a stable condition.

A spokesman for Procter & Gamble, where Tina worked, said: “Tina Casey worked as a contractor for Meridian at our Seaton Delaval site.

“We are all deeply shocked and saddened to hear this tragic news. Our thoughts are with Tina’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

More tributes to Ms Casey were made on social networking sites Facebook and Twitter. One colleague wrote: “Sad sad news. RIP Tina, thoughts go out to ur family x.” Others took to Facebook to express their condolences. One user wrote: “RIP Tina :( so sad, thoughts are with the family xxxx.”

Another added: “RIP Tina, you were an amazing woman and fantastic mum. Gone but never forgotten.”

“So sad. R.I.P Tina!! My thoughts are with all ur family babe but especially ur children!!! Xxxxx” wrote one user on Facebook.

And one added: “R.I.P Tina thoughts are with ya family and close friends xx.”

Neighbours of Ms Casey, who is believed to have lived with her young son, spoke of their shock and said they were mystified as to what had happened. They said Ms Casey was often seen walking up and down the street with her son.

A bunch of flowers were left at the scene with the message, “Sadly Missed” written on a card.

Charles Todd, 83, who has lived in Wallridge Drive for 44 years, said: “It is just very sad and a great pity. I just saw her come and go, she would pass when I was cutting the grass or the hedges.

Anyone with information about the death or the crash is asked to contact police on the 101 non-emergency number, or alternatively contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.