Mum Leanne Park, 44, was pronounced after 999 crews were called to the flat above The Greyhound Pub on Parkgate at about 9.15pm on Wednesday (September 23).

Andrew Bell, 44, of Darlington, has been charged with her murder and will to appear before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates’ Court on Monday (September 28) morning.

Leanne Park was found dead above a pub in Darlington (Image: DURHAM POLICE)

A 27-year-old man arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released on bail.

Crime scene investigators are continuing to examine the scene and Durham Police said a cordon outside the pub is expected to remain in place for some time.

(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

Earlier on Saturday heartbroken Leanne’s family paid tribute to her as the “best mam, nana, daughter and friend”.

They said in a statement: “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.

“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.”

Leanne’s family are being supported by family liaison officers.

Leanne Park, who worked at Ventress Care Home, was found at a flat above The Greyhound pub on Parkgate on Wednesday, September 23. (Image: FACEBOOK)

The care home worker’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes, including bouquets of flowers left outside the pub.

One tribute read: “Always in our hearts, taken too soon. Heaven has gained a beautiful angel”.

Another said: “RIP our beautiful Auntie. You are so loved and going to be a huge miss, love you always”.

Her colleagues at the Ventress Hall care home in Darlington previously said Leanne would “do anything for anybody”.

(Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

In a Facebook post the home said: “I can’t actually believe I am writing this, but it is with a heavy heart that I say we have lost our friend and work colleague, Leanne.

Floral tributes at the scene (Image: THE NORTHERN ECHO)

“Leanne was always so kind and would do anything for anybody, especially our residents.”The world is beyond cruel and you have been taken too soon. We love you much Leanne. Love all your Ventress Work Family. You will never be forgotten. Our condolences to all Leanne’s family.”

A spokesperson from Durham Police said: “Anyone with any information is asked to call Durham Constabulary on 101, quoting incident number 521 of September 23.”

Information can also be passed on to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.