Three 'noxious substance' deaths in same area linked as police arrest suspect

23 September 2023 , 06:50

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Police who found the body of Stephanie Alderson, 35, on Monday are probing a connection between four deaths (Image: PA)

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance as police probe potential links between the deaths of three people over three months in the same area.

Kevin Conway, 41, Stephanie Alderson, 35, and Kathleen Broomfield, 43 all died in South Bank, near Middlesbrough, between July and September of this year, Cleveland Police said.

A 43-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance in connection to the three deaths. Two men, both aged 47, and a 39-year-old woman have also been arrested on suspicion of administering a noxious substance in relation to the death of Kathleen Broomfield.

Kevin Conway's body was found at an address in Teesside on July 15 (PA)

Stephanie's mother described her as a 'much-loved daughter who will be greatly missed' (PA)

All four remain on bail whilst enquiries are ongoing, police said in a statement. Mr Conway's body was found at an address in Teesside on July 15. His sister Claire said: "Kevin was a much-loved son, father, brother and friend to everyone who knew him. Words cannot describe the devastation of his unexpected passing."

The body of Ms Alderson was then found at a property nearby on Monday. Her mother, Glennis, said: "Stephanie was a much-loved daughter who will be greatly missed." On Tuesday, police were called to a report of the sudden death of Ms Broomfield at a property on South Court in South Bank. Her brother Paul said: "There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will be forever in our hearts."

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas