SHOP WORKER JOAN STABBED TO DEATH
Man, 19, is arrested by police after popular 62 years old murdered at work
A Sunderland community was still in shock today after the death of a popular shop worker sparked a murder investigation.
Police were called to the One Stop shop, in Sea Road, Fulwell, just after 10.40pm on Wednesday night, where employee Joan Hoggett was found with serious injuries that officers said were consistent with a stabbing.
The 62-year-old was taken to hospital, where she sadly died of her injuries.
A 19-year-old arrested on suspicion of murder was last night still being held by detectives. Northumbria Police said he “does not reside in the immediate vicinity of where the incident occurred.”
A senior officer said they believed it was “an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public” but a huge police presence remained in the area yesterday as the murder investigation continued. Sea Road remained closed in both directions from the junction with Mere Knolls Road to the junction with Marshall Street throughout much of the day while a cordon was also put in place at Roker Park and Cornthwaite Park.
Forensics teams were seen entering the One Stop shop during the day while uniformed police were also spotted searching shop fronts and nearby houses, often using ladders, as well as inspecting drains in the streets.
Flowers and messages of sympathy were left at the scene. A card on one bouquet said: “Joan, you are going to be sadly missed, Rest in peace beautiful.”
Senior officers also addressed hundreds of concerned residents at a Police And Communities Together (PACT) meeting held at Fulwell Community Centre last night.
Northumbria Police said the family of Joan, who is from the Grindon area, were being supported by specialist officers.
Fulwell residents were left in shock by news of her death.
Derek Campbell, 55, said: “I have lived in the street for eight years. She’s a nice lady, helpful, like all of them in that shop.”
Mr Campbell said there have been problems with local drug addicts shoplifting food, sweets and alcohol.
He said: “They have been chased away and barred many times, but they take no notice.”
Shakeel Rahman, 44, who works in a mobile phone shop nearby, said: “She was nice and polite. She only served me two days before. It is such a shame it happened to her.”
Samantha Willis, 55, said: “I burst into tears when I heard. She was a lovely lady, very sweet, always on at night and she worked hard.”
One 43-year-old woman, who runs a shop in Sea Road, said: “It’s just so sad. It’s quite a shock, this is a quiet and nice area and you don’t hear about things like this happening, but it has been going down for a while.”
Superintendent Paul Milner, of Northumbria Police, said: “I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to Joan’s family at this incredibly difficult time.
“My message to the community is clear; we believe this to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public.
“One man has been arrested in connection with Joan’s murder and is assisting police with their enquiries.
“Sea Road will be opened but a number of cordons remain in place, and as a result, I would like to thank residents and local businesses for their patience and cooperation.
“Anyone with any concerns is encouraged to speak to a nearby officer, and a police presence will remain in the area.”
The One Stop shop remained closed yesterday. A company spokesman said: “We are shocked and saddened by the incident, our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to our colleague’s family and friends at this difficult time.
“We are currently supporting all colleagues involved and assisting police with their enquiries. Due to the nature of the incident, we are unable to comment any further at this time.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. They can contact police on 101 quoting reference 935 050918 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
“I burst into tears when I heard. She was a lovely lady” SAMANTHA WILLIS