Police arrest 37-year-old man over murder of Middlesbrough pharmacist

Detectives investigating the murder of a pharmacist in her own home have arrested a 37-year-old man.

Jessica Patel, 34, was found dead at her Victorian semi in The Avenue, Linthorpe, Middlesbrough, around 8.20pm on Monday.

Originally from Leeds, she worked with her husband Mitesh at the Roman Road Pharmacy.

Forensic experts have been working at their home and at the chemists shop.

Cleveland Police said in a statement that officers arrested a 37-year-old man in the West Yorkshire Police area on suspicion of murder and that he remained in custody.

Detectives spoke to neighbours and local businesses, while officers spent hours trawling through CCTV footage to try and piece together her movements on Monday.

Before the arrest was announced, Detective Superintendent Tariq Ali said: “The murder happened in a quiet area of town, where local people have been left shocked by what has happened in their neighbourhood.”

The detective said: “We know that Jessica was a well-liked and well-respected member of the local community, and that a lot of people knew her from working at the pharmacy.”

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