Police have arrested a woman on suspicion of murder after a pensioner was found dead at a residential care home.
The 88-year-old woman, who has not yet been named, was found dead at Emblehope House sheltered accommodation on Allendale Road, Farringdon, Sunderland, at around 2.20pm on Friday.
She was treated by paramedics but later died.
A 39-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of murder and is in custody.
Northumbria Police officers have increased patrols in the area.
Acting Chief Inspector Christina Barrett said: "Inquiries are in their very early stages and we are doing all we can to establish what has happened.
"We would like to speak to anyone who was in the area at the time or who might have noticed anything suspicious to contact us as soon as possible."
Temporary Chief Inspector Kay Blyth added: "People will understandably be very concerned about this incident, particularly the elderly.
"We will have extra officers on patrol in the area to answer any questions and reassure them."
She said the dead woman would not be named until her family was informed. A post-mortem examination is due to take place.
