Tributes paid to 'lovely lady' Janice Woolford as investigation into suspected murder-suicide continues in Sunderland

A police investigation continues after the bodies of Janice Woolford and her son Michael were found at their home in Satley Gardens, Tunstall.

Inquiries are continuing but detectives say they are currently treating the deaths as a murder-suicide.

Emergency services were initially called to reports of concerns for a woman shortly after 10am on Wednesday, February 26, but sadly officers discovered two bodies at the home, off Essen Way.

A murder inquiry was launched into mother’s death and officers have confirmed the 68-year-old’s injuries were consistent with stabbing.

While her 44-year-old son’s had not suffered any visible injuries, police believe he had taken a large quantity of drugs.

Police do not believe there was any third party involvement in the two deaths.

Detective Chief Inspector Jane Fairlamb, the senior investigating officer of the case, said: “This is a tragic case that has obviously had a devastating impact on Janice and Michael’s family.”

Tributes have poured in for the ‘lovely lady’ as a community comes to terms with the heartbreaking news.

Messages and tributes have been left on the Echo’s Facebook page:

Lisa Jane Eltringham: “Had many laughs with this lovely lady. Rest in peace Janice.”

Rachel Grimes: “RIP Janice, was a pleasure knowing you.”

Angela McCourt: “So sad rest in peace Jan, you'll be a miss in the club.”

Amanda Normanton: “Poor lady. Devastating RIP.”

Tommy Wardropper: “What a lovely woman she was as well.”

Sue Carlin: “Poor woman. Thoughts go out to her friends and family.”

Sue Rogers: “Can’t believe it RIP Janice. Devastating.”

Debra Richardson: “This is horrific. Rest in peace. My heart goes out to all your family and friends.”

Melanie Wilson: “Utterly heartbreaking. Poor poor lady.”

Sheila Harbottle: “So sad, heartbreaking for their family and friends, R.I.P”

Helen Elizabeth Jennings: “So heartbreaking, poor family my heart goes out to them. RIP”

Linda Tony Jones: “Rest in peace Janice.”