Family's emotional tribute to Sunderland shop worker Joan Hoggett as murder probe continues

The family of much-loved Sunderland shop worker Joan Hoggett say she will be "greatly missed" as a murder investigation continues.
Joan Hoggett pictured with a great-grandchild.Joan Hoggett pictured with a great-grandchild.
Joan Hoggett pictured with a great-grandchild.

The 62-year-old was found with serious injuries, which police described as being consistent with a stabbing, at the One Stop Shop, in Sea Road, Fulwell last Wednesday night.

Detectives launched a murder probe and later charged a 19-year-old.

Floral tributes left outside of the One Stop shop where Joan Hoggett worked.Floral tributes left outside of the One Stop shop where Joan Hoggett worked.
Floral tributes left outside of the One Stop shop where Joan Hoggett worked.
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Floral tributes continue to be left outside the shop in memory of Joan, who lived in the Grindon area.

After being moved by the response since her death, Joan’s family today thanked the public and the emergency services, who battled to save her.

A family statement said: "Joan was a hard-working, independent woman who was a proud and devoted mother, grandmother, great grandma, sister and aunt. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

"We would like to thank all members of the emergency services who attended or assisted to care for Joan.

Joan Hoggett's family have paid tribute to the popular shop worker.Joan Hoggett's family have paid tribute to the popular shop worker.
Joan Hoggett's family have paid tribute to the popular shop worker.
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"We have also been overwhelmed by the public’s response since Joan’s death, and we want to thank all members of the community for their assistance, best wishes and support.

"We would be grateful if our privacy could be respected at this difficult time."

Meanwhile, Northumbria Police and Sunderland City Council will this week host a number of pop-up meetings to offer reassurance local residents as the murder investigation continues.

Officers have described it as an "isolated incident", but are encouraging members of the public who are concerned or who have any questions to talk to them at a series of drop-in meetings this week.

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Superintendent Paul Milner said: “This was a really tragic, isolated incident which we recognise has had a significant impact on the local community.

"Our thoughts go out to Joan’s family at this terribly difficult time.

"My message to the public is one of reassurance, and anybody with any concerns is advised to speak to a nearby officer or attend one of the scheduled drop-in meetings. Our officers will be happy to talk to you."

Officers, along with representatives from Sunderland City Council, will be at Fulwell Library on Wednesday and Friday to speak to residents and business owners.

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Coun Michael Mordey, Deputy Leader of Sunderland City Council and Chair of the Safer Sunderland Partnership, added: "The community has been shaken by the recent tragic events, and these latest ‘pop-up’ meetings have been organised to give local people the chance to meet our officers and raise any concerns that they may have.

"We were all shocked and saddened by Joan Hoggett’s death, and hope people will come along to the meetings at Fulwell Library this week to share their views and opinions with us on what happened, as well as any other issues in the community.

"The best way to target criminal and anti-social behaviour is by listening to people’s concerns, and then discussing how we can all work together to best address them."

The public are invited to attend the pop-up meetings between 5-7.30pm on Wednesday and 3-4.40pm on Friday.

* Ethan Mountain, 19, of Heaton Gardens, South Shields, has been charged with murder and was due to reappear at Newcastle Crown Court today. For updates from court, log on to www.sunderlandecho.com