Murdered woman’s family appeal for help in tracing man

The devastated family of a grandmother who was murdered have appealed to the public to help find a man police want to trace.

A major inquiry was launched after Michelle Hanson, 47, was found dead at a property in Brady Street, Sunderland, on December 3.

Northumbria Police has previously asked for help in finding Alexander Carr, 32, and urged the public to call 999 if they see him.

Now, the victim’s daughter Shannon Brown, 29, has gone on camera to pay tribute to her and to appeal for information which could assist the investigation.

Ms Brown said: “As a family, we are all devastated by what has happened.

“My mam 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.

“She always got on with things and never gave up.

“It’s heart-breaking for us as a family to know we will never see her again.

“She will be missed by all of us.

“Her granddaughter turns two in a couple of weeks and it is devastating that she will not get the chance to get to know her nana.

“Our lives will never be the same again

“All we want now is justice for our mam.

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

“Any little piece of information could help.

“Our mam deserves justice.”

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr said: “Our thoughts are very much 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.”

Searches have been ongoing to locate Mr Carr and a £10,000 reward has been offered for any information submitted exclusively to CrimeStoppers that leads to his arrest.

Mr Barr said: “We would like to thank everyone who has already come forward with information in relation to this case, including the potential whereabouts of Alexander Carr.

“We would ask anyone who is yet to get in touch or believe they may have seen him or know where he is to contact police straight away.”

Anyone with information that can assist the search for Carr is asked to report it to police by calling 999.