University student is arrested in connection with murder of grandmother after manhunt for suspect

A university student has been arrested in connection with the murder of a 47-year-old grandmother.

Michelle Hanson, 47, was found dead in Brady Street, Sunderland, on Saturday, December, 3, with injuries to her neck. 

Northumbria Police said 33-year-old Alexander Carr was arrested in London on Wednesday evening. He remains in police custody.

Police had launched a manhunt for Carr and students from the University of Sunderland were warned to keep away from him if they saw him.

Alexander Carr, 32, has been arrested by police in connection with the murder of 47-year-old grandmother Michelle Hanson in Sunderland

Neighbours of Michelle Hanson said she was ‘vulnerable’ but that she ‘would not harm a fly’

Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Barr, leading the police investigation, said: ‘First and foremost, our thoughts continue to be with Michelle’s family at this devastating time and our specially trained officers will continue to support them in any way we can.

‘Her family deserve answers and we are committed to finding out what has happened and bringing anyone involved to justice.

‘We would like to thank the public for their assistance so far and would ask anybody who has any information who hasn’t already come forward to contact police.

‘We would also ask that people avoid any speculation that could jeopardise the ongoing investigation.’

Northumbria Police issued CCTV images of Carr (pictured) while trying to track him down 

Last week Michelle’s daughter Shannon Brown, 29, went on camera to pay tribute to her and to appeal for information which could assist police in their investigation.

Shannon Brown said: ‘As a family, we are all devastated by what has happened. My mam was a caring, kind and loving person.

‘She would never hurt anyone, even if someone did something to hurt her, she would forgive them because she always saw the good in people.

‘She always got on with things and never gave up.

‘It’s heart-breaking for us as a family to know we will never see her again. She will be missed by all of us.’

Michelle Hanson [pictured on a piece of paper held by her daughter] was found dead in her Sunderland home on Saturday, December, 3, with injuries to her neck. Michelle’s daughter Shannon Brown went on camera to appeal for information which could assist police in their investigation

She added: ‘Her granddaughter turns two in a couple of weeks and it is devastating that she will not get the chance to get to know her nana.

‘Our lives will never be the same again. All we want now is justice for our mam.

‘Please, if you have any information which can help the police with their investigation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with them.

‘Any little piece of information could help. Our mam deserves justice.’ 

Tributes have flooded in our social media, with people paying their respects to the victim and her family.

One wrote: ‘I still can’t get my head around it. She was harmless, didn’t deserve this. My heart is with Michelle and her family.’

Another added: ‘Absolutely heartbreaking. I can’t get my head around why anyone would want to harm you. My thoughts are with Michelle’s family at this sad time.’ 

Tributes to Mrs Hanson (pictured) have flooded social media since her death. One wrote: ‘I still can’t get my head around it. She was harmless, didn’t deserve this. My heart is with Michelle and her family’

When emergency workers arrived they found Mrs Hanson dead, having suffered injuries to her neck consistent, seemingly caused by a blade.

Police soon changed an appeal for Carr’s whereabouts to a murder investigation, after he was named the ‘key individual’ in their inquiries.

Police had carried out a forensic investigation into her death, with door to door inquiries in the area.

Behind the crime scene tent, the battered door to her home was seen hanging by its hinges.

A friend of the family described Mrs Hanson as ‘a vulnerable woman who would have been defenceless against any attacker’.

Mrs Hanson lived in the upper part of the white fronted converted terraced house on Brady Street, Sunderland, and her son Stephen used to live in the flat below

Neighbours in the street, including many pensioners, were shocked by what had happened but said the area did have its issues.

One woman said: ‘It can be a bit rough around here. But the worst you expect is someone breaking someone else’s windows.

Crimestoppers announced on Friday it was offering a £10,000 reward for anyone who could hand over information that would help lead to Carr’s arrest

‘Michelle cut a bit of a lonely figure. But she was a canny enough lass. She would not harm a fly. It is just crazy what happened to her.’

A friend of the family said she last saw Mrs Hanson a month ago when she appeared extremely vulnerable.

She said: ‘I was shocked to see her like that.

‘She was in a bit of a mess to be honest and drinking heavily. She appeared bright enough but you could tell that deep down she was deeply unhappy.’