A WOMAN found dead by police in Brighton has been named locally as Donatello Restaurant co-owner and renowned charity supporter Sue Addis.

Sussex Police confirmed they had found the body of a 69-year-old woman after being called to a house in Cedars Gardens, in the Withdean area of Brighton, yesterday evening.

A 17-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and an investigation has been launched by the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team.

Mrs Addis was the co-owner of Donatello Restaurant in The Lanes.

The Argus: Donatello co-owner Sue AddisDonatello co-owner Sue Addis

Neighbours described her as a "hardworking" woman, who would leave for work early
in the morning before returning late at night. 

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said she saw Mrs Addis last week.

She said: “I’ve met her a few times. She came to drop some post off so I literally saw her last week. 

“She was a lovely lady who was dropping off post that was delivered to the wrong address. 

“I’ve seen her go in the mornings to work and I know she’s got grandchildren who would always come and play football in the garden."

Donatello is one of the most well-recognised businesses in the city. It has previously sponsored Brighton and Hove Albion.

The popular restaurant was opened in 1987 by Mrs Addis’s husband Pietro Addis, who was born in Sardinia.

Pietro is now retired.

The Argus: Donatello owner Sue Addis at a Dapper and Diamonds charity night Donatello owner Sue Addis at a Dapper and Diamonds charity night

Mrs Addis has supported many major charity campaigns in the Brighton and Hove area.

In 2017, she organised a "Dapper and Diamonds" night at her Donatello for the 60th anniversary of The Argus Appeal and raised £15,000.

She was a long-term trustee of the appeal.

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