Lynne Freeman and Jodie Betteridge
Lynne Freeman (left) and Jodie Betteridge were killed on Wednesday 23 March Cleveland Police

Two women who were killed in separate Teesside attacks just minutes apart have been named as police ask for more time to question a key suspect. Lynne Freeman and Jodie Betteridge were attacked minutes apart in Redcar on Wednesday 23 March just before 9pm.

Cleveland Police arrested a 34-year-old man the next day on suspicion of both murders and today (Friday 25 March) magistrates granted an extension to question the suspect. Officers and forensics teams remain at the scene in North Yorkshire whilst nearby areas of the town remain cordoned off.

Lynne Freeman, 46, was the first women to be found. She was seriously injured outside her home in Maple Crescent, then less than 19 minutes later, police received calls saying that Jodie Betteridge, 30, was being attacked in Byland Close, less than a mile away.

Lynne Freeman, was a committed volunteer for the Redcar Beacons, a local charity group which helps vulnerable people on nights out in the town. She was also said to have been a fundraiser who had raised thousands for local charities.

A tribute on the Redcar Beacons website said: "Her caring attitude both on the streets of Redcar as a beacon and also working in a charity shop will be greatly missed as will the smile with which she greeted everyone.

"One of our Beacons has already commented that she was full of life as well, doing an impromptu karaoke outside the Deck last Saturday night, inspiring other Beacons to join in the fun. She was a joyful and loving Christian, one whom it has been a privilege to know."

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said the families of the women were being supported by specially-trained officers. She said: "Following the arrest of a 34-year-old man in relation to the murder of two women in the Redcar area, police attended Teesside Magistrates' Court where they were authorised an extension of his detention.

"This allows the investigation team to detain the man for a further period of time while they continue their inquiries. A post mortem examination has taken place regarding one victim and the post mortem examination for the other victim is due to take place later."