The police watchdog has launched a probe into Durham Police's contact with a psychotic killer shortly before she brutally stabbed a Newton Aycliffe woman to death.
Angela Lloyd, 56, was repeatedly stabbed with a knife and a pair of scissors at her home in Bakewell Place on August 13, 2025, in an attack carried out by Patricia Hewitt.
Hours earlier, Hewitt was given a suspended sentence by magistrates in Newton Aycliffe for attacking a woman the previous day.
She was later spoken to by police community support officers after reportedly stealing wine, but was moved on and denied a lift home. She went on to attack Ms Lloyd.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has now confirmed it is investigating a complaint relating to the force's contact with Hewitt before the killing.
Patricia Hewitt. (Image: PROVIDED)
An IOPC spokesperson said: "Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of Angela Lloyd, as well as all those affected by her death.
"We can confirm we are independently investigating a complaint relating to Durham Constabulary's contact with Patricia Hewitt, who has since been convicted of manslaughter.
"Our investigation, which is at a very early stage, will look at the nature of the contact police had with Patricia Hewitt, including whether there were any missed opportunities to prevent Angela's death."
The watchdog said Durham Constabulary referred the matter in August 2025, but it could not investigate because there had been no prior police contact with Angela and no complaint.
The spokesperson added: “We received the complaint referral on September 25, 2026.”
The investigation follows Senior Coroner for County Durham and Darlington Jeremy Chipperfield's decision to resume an inquest into Angela's death, saying there were “sufficient reasons” to examine her death further.
Angela Lloyd. (Image: PROVIDED)
At a hearing earlier this week, Mr Chipperfield called the case “rather complex” and said the criminal proceedings had not fully explored some issues.
Angela’s brothers Joe and Patrick Lloyd have questioned the police response to Hewitt on the day she was killed.
Hours before the killing, magistrates gave Hewitt a suspended sentence for assault.
She was later reported for stealing wine and trying to enter homes before police community support officers spoke to her.
After refusing help, Hewitt left the area and went to Angela’s bungalow, where she launched the fatal attack.
The family believe police missed chances to intervene.
Joe Lloyd said: "What we need is closure.
Angela Lloyd was found dead at a property on Bakewell Place in Newton Aycliffe last August. (Image: PROVIDED)
"It has been a really bad year, and we were hoping next year we could start fresh.
"We just want justice for Angela.
"If police didn't let Ms Hewitt wander off, Angela would probably be alive."
Patrick Lloyd added: "Hewitt had well over a hundred run-ins with police.
"The day before, she was convicted of assault.
"It doesn't make any sense.
"They knew who she was, why send PCSOs when they had no power whatsoever?"
The inquest is also expected to examine how emergency services responded after Angela activated her community alarm.
The hearing was told no one attended for about an hour because the calls were considered unclear, despite Angela’s desperate attempts to get help during the attack.
Hewitt later admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.
Psychiatrists concluded she was suffering from schizophrenia and psychotic symptoms at the time of the killing.
She was detained indefinitely at Rampton Hospital under hospital and restriction orders.
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A spokesperson for Durham Police said: "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with Angela's family and everyone who has been affected by her tragic death.
"Angela's death continues to be the subject of an ongoing coronial process, and it would therefore be inappropriate for us to comment on the circumstances surrounding the case until after this has concluded."
A pre-inquest review will be held at Crook Coroners’ Court on November 6.