FURTHER UPDATE: Murder Investigation Launched After Woman Found Dead In Eastbourne

Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a murder investigation was launched in Eastbourne.

Police and paramedics were called to a property in Connaught Road about 6.45pm on Sunday 18 December due to concerns for the welfare of a woman.

The woman, in her 60s, was sadly discovered deceased at the scene. 

A 59-year-old man from Eastbourne, who is known to the woman, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody at this time.

An investigation is underway and police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers said:

“We understand this incident will cause shock and concern in the community, but I’d like to reassure people that a thorough investigation is underway and at this stage, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it. We believe this to be an isolated matter with no threat to the wider public.

“The investigation is moving at fast pace and members of the public can expect to see a heightened police presence in the area while our enquiries are ongoing.

“This happened in a very busy, central location of Eastbourne and we are urging anyone who saw anything suspicious or unusual in the area over the course of the weekend, particularly between 7.45am and 10am on Sunday (December 18), to please get in touch with us.”

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UPDATE

A man has been charged with the murder of a woman in Eastbourne.

Tony King, 59, of Cornfield Terrace, Eastbourne, has been remanded in custody to appear before Brighton Magistrates' Court on Wednesday (December 21).

The victim has since been identified as 68-year-old Sabrina Cooper, from Eastbourne (pictured). 

Sabrina Cooper was further revealed by The Sun newspaper to be late comedian Tommy Cooper's niece.

A murder investigation was launched and the suspect, who was known to Sabrina, was arrested at an address in Eastbourne in the early hours of Monday morning (December 19). He was interviewed and later charged with one count of murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers said:

“Our thoughts are with Sabrina's family and friends at this difficult time. We are supporting them and keeping them updated on the progress of this fast-moving investigation.

“We understand this incident will also cause upset and concern in the community, and I would like to reassure people that this is being treated as an isolated incident involving people known to each other, and with no threat to the wider public.

“We have already completed extensive enquiries and this has resulted in a person being arrested and charged within 48 hours of police initially attending the address. Those enquiries will continue as the case progresses through the court, and we encourage anyone with concerns or information relating to what happened to get in touch with us.”

Information can be passed to police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Dorsal. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. 

Tony King arriving at Lewes Crown Court this morning (Thursday, Dec 22):