Carie Burns, who was killed a few days after moving to area

THE grieving mother of a young woman killed at a house party in Blackhill last week has spoken of her anguish at learning of the death of her only child.

Carie Burns had moved to the Consett area from Kendal, in Cumbria, to make a new start on Monday of last week, following a series of personal tragedies.

But in the early hours of Friday morning, the 21-year-old was killed while attending an all-night party in Thomas Street, Blackhill.

Miss Burns suffered a number of wounds, allegedly inflicted with a Samurai sword, and staggered into the street outside where she was run over by a car.

She was taken to the University Hospital of North Durham, but died of her injuries shortly afterwards.

Police sealed off the street while forensics officers combed the area and house-to-house inquiries took place.

Miss Burns' heartbroken mother Tracey Wilson, who was widowed just nine months ago, revealed that her daughter had moved to Consett only four days before she died to make a fresh start following the death of two close friends.

Mrs Wilson said: "I loved her with all my heart and soul.

"Life has been cruel to this family, as my husband, Alan, was killed in a road accident less than nine months ago, and now to have Carie so needlessly and suddenly taken away from me.

"I feel my heart is going to break. How much can one person take?

"Carie has been an absolute rock to me since Alan's death, even though her own heart was breaking as she loved him very much."

Mrs Wilson, 40, the manager of an outdoor clothing store in Kendal, said: "She had a wicked laugh and a great sense of humour and was full of enthusiasm to live life to the full.

"In a word, she was a star.

"She had many friends and always tried to see the good in everyone.

"Carie always had itchy feet and was keen to travel and work away in different places, but she did not want to leave me on my own.

"But after the tragic deaths in quick succession recently of two of her closest friends, she felt she needed to get away and start afresh."

Miss Burns, who knew Consett well after staying with relatives in the area as a child, had recently been offered a job at a pub in the town.

Mrs Wilson added: "When I spoke to her the day before she died, she sounded so happy.

"I keep asking myself how can someone who was so looking forward to life have it taken away so cruelly?"

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0845 6060365.

* A 36-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the death of Carie Burns.

Hugh Penrose, of Thomas Street, Blackhill, appeared before Consett Magistrates' Court on Monday.

During a three-minute hearing he was remanded on bail to appear before Durham Crown Court next Wednesday.