A murder investigation has been launched after an 84-year-old woman was found dead at a home in West Sussex. Police have arrested a 78-year-old man on suspicion of murder following the incident in the coastal village of Aldwick near Bognor Regis.
The case has shocked the quiet community of Aldwick, where residents say serious crime of this nature is rare. Officers were called to a property on Langley Grove at around 2:00 pm BST on Sunday after receiving an emergency report.
When police arrived, they found the elderly woman already dead inside the property. The victim, aged 84, has not yet been publicly named as formal identification and family notifications are still being completed.
A 78-year-old man, who is believed to be local to the area, was arrested at the scene shortly after officers entered the property. Police confirmed he is being held on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning.
Detectives have stated that they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with the incident. This suggests the investigation is focused on understanding what happened inside the home before officers arrived.
A senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell, described the case as a tragic loss of life. He said specialist teams are working to establish the full circumstances surrounding the death.
He also confirmed that police will maintain a presence at the property in the coming days. Officers are carrying out detailed forensic work, including evidence collection and scene analysis.
Residents in Langley Grove have been asked to remain patient while investigations continue. Police say door-to-door inquiries may also take place as part of the evidence-gathering process.
At this stage, authorities have not released any details about how the woman died or what may have led to the incident. They have also not confirmed whether the suspect and victim knew each other.
The investigation remains in its early stages, and detectives are treating all findings carefully as they work to build a clearer picture of events inside the home.
The quiet seaside area of Aldwick is known for its residential streets and calm environment. News of the arrest has unsettled locals, many of whom expressed concern after police activity was seen at the property.
Police have urged the public not to speculate while inquiries continue. They have also asked anyone with information that could help the investigation to come forward.
As the investigation progresses, officers will continue forensic examinations and witness interviews. Further updates are expected once more details are confirmed.
For now, the community remains in shock as detectives work to understand what led to the death of the 84-year-old woman in what is being treated as a murder inquiry.
