The family of a grandmother who died in a house fire have spoken of their grief.

Firefighters found Vilma Hamper, 56, dead in her home in Pembury Road, Langney, Eastbourne.

Mrs Hamper's grandson Andrew Bissett, 16, escaped the inferno by jumping from an upstairs bedroom window.

John Hamper, 60, who is blind and disabled, managed to crawl out of the back door and was pulled to safety by neighbours.

Mrs Hamper was John Hamper's carer and sister-in-law.

A local man, 20, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and has been bailed pending further enquiries.

In a statement released through Sussex Police, her family said: "Vilma Hamper had lived in Eastbourne most of her life and lived in Pembury Road for more than 30 years.

"She was well known and liked in the local community.

"Vilma had been a foster carer during her life and at the time of the fire was a full-time carer for John Hamper.

"She was a mother, grandmother and soon to be a great grandmother.

"She made all those she cared for feel safe, loved and special.

"She always put the needs of others before her own.

"She would not sit in judgement of anyone, especially when it came to her grandchildren.

"The family are trying to come to terms with the horrific nature of what has happened.

"This is a tragic waste of her life."

Grandson Andrew Bissett has told of how his grandmother woke him up just in time to flee the inferno which had engulfed their home.

He and Mr Hamper were taken to Eastbourne General District Hospital with minor burns and suffering from smoke inhalation.

He said: "She saved my life by waking me up.

"I will never forget her and the memories that we shared."

Granddaughter Cara Bissett said: "She was my rock. If anything made me down she would make me better.

"She would often go without just to see others smile. Nothing was ever too much."

Andy Bissett was formerly married to Mrs Hamper's daughter Tamara and is the father of Andrew.

Mr Bissett, 41, of St Philips Avenue, Eastbourne, said: "Vilma was a woman who tried to please everyone all the time.

"She was a good grandmother who loved her grandchildren dearly and had a lot of input in their upbringing.

"If anyone ever had a problem she was there to sort it out.

"She was compassionate and had a huge heart. She will be dearly missed."

A post mortem carried out on Thursday revealed Mrs Hamper died as a result of smoke inhalation.

Police are continuing house-to-house inquiries in connection with the fire, which happened on Wednesday, and forensic specialists were yesterday still combing the house for evidence.

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