Students warned to keep away from on-the-run classmate wanted after woman ... trends now

Students have been warned to keep away from their on-the-run classmate after a 'vulnerable' mother 'who would not harm a fly' was killed in her home. 

Michelle Hanson, 47, was found dead with injuries to her neck likely 'caused by a bladed article', in her flat on Brady Street, Sunderland on December 3.

Detectives identified 32-year-old University of Sunderland student Alexander Carr as a 'key individual' in their murder investigation but he remains at large a week after her death.

Police believe Carr knows that he is being searched for and is 'actively evading arrest'. 

The mother-of-one lived alone but shopped in the same supermarket as Carr, who has links across Tyne and Wear as well as Northumberland.

Yesterday, a university-wide email was sent to all students and staff members urging anyone with information about Carr's whereabouts to contact the police. 

The email, seen by MailOnline, read: 'The University is aware of the current situation and is working closely to assist Northumbria Police in their investigations.

'A message has been sent to Alexander Carr's classmates in order to offer any support they made during this time.

'Our first concern is always for the wellbeing of our students and staff, so please contact wellbeing services to access support if you have any concerns.' 

A university spokesperson said: 'The University has been made aware of Northumbria Police's investigation and we will assist and support them in their inquiries.' 

It comes after Crimestoppers announced it was offering a £10,000 reward for anyone who could hand over information that would help lead to Carr's arrest. 

Northumbria Police have said if members of the public spot Carr in public, they should not approach him as he could be dangerous. Instead officers should be alerted immediately of someone see's him.

Mrs Hanson's heartbroken family are being supported by specially trained officers.  

Tributes have flooded in our social media, with people paying their respects to the victim and her family.

One wrote: 'I still can't get my head around it. She was harmless, didn't deserve this. My heart is with Michelle and her family.'

Another added: 'Absolutely heartbreaking. I can't get my head around why anyone would want to harm you. My thoughts are with Michelle's family at this sad time.'

Extensive searches are being carried out by officers across the North East this week in a bid to locate Carr and bring him to custody.  

A statement on Northumberland Police's Facebook page posted on Friday read: 'Ever since this incident, we have been determined to locate those responsible and we will look to bring effective justice against anybody found to have been involved.

'A significant number of enquiries have been carried out in the area since Saturday and we would like to thank the victim's family for their patience and cooperation, as well as the wider public who have supported our investigation.

'Extensive searches are being carried out across the North East this week in a bid to locate Carr and bring him into custody.'

Officers had been called to the Brady Street home last Saturday around 12.30pm after concerns were raised about a woman's welfare.