COPS in Hartlepool have arrested a man on suspicion of murder after a woman was stabbed to death in a "targeted attack" last night.

Torbjorn Kettlewell, 30, was hauled away in cuffs after Cleveland Police launched a huge manhunt following the attack.

Torbjorn, also known as Ian Kettlewell, was arrested on nearby Wilson Street after a brief stand-off with cops.

Officers launched an appeal for information about his whereabouts as they wanted to speak to him in connection with the killing.

He was been described as 6ft tall with ginger hair and a beard and was wearing a grey checked shirt or top and jeans and may have fled "in a red Vauxhall Astra or Insignia type vehicle".

Detectives have urged the public not to approach him but to call 999 immediately if they spot him.

They believe the attack was "targeted" and are working to identify the woman.

Chief Superintendent Alastair Simpson said: “Firstly, my thoughts and sympathies are with the family of the woman who was tragically killed last night. Specially trained officers are supporting the family at this extremely difficult time.

“Residents in the local area will naturally be shocked by what has happened and I would like to reassure them that we have a dedicated team who are working tirelessly on this case and all the necessary specialist resources are being made available to them.

“Our enquiries so far have led detectives to believe that this was a targeted attack.

“There is a visible police presence in and around the area of the murder. Anyone in the local community who has concerns can approach any of these officers and speak to them about this incident.”