Summary: Murder investigation following death of Sue Addis

A murder investgation has been launched after the 69-year-old, who co-owned Donatello in the heart of The Lanes in Brighton, was found dead on Thursday evening.

On Friday morning, Sussex Police reported that officers had found the body of a 69-year-old woman at a house in Cedars Gardens, in the Withdean area of Brighton.

The scene in Withdean this morning

The woman was later named as Sue Addis, a greatly respected businesswoman and tireless charity campaigner who has raised tens of thousands of pounds over the years for worthy causes within the city.

• READ MORE: Woman found dead named as Donatello owner Sue Addis

In a statement, Sussex Police said they were called to the house shortly before 7pm yesterday.

There, officers found her body.

Sue Addis hosting a charity event at Donatello - one of many

An investigation has been launched by Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team who, working with local officers, have arrested a 17-year-old boy on suspicion of murder.

• READ MORE: Teenager arrested on suspicion of murder after body of woman found

The news of her death sent shockwaves through the Brighton and Hove community, with politicians, business owners and more all sharing thier favourite memories of Mrs Addis.

Among them were Hove and Portslade MP Peter Kyle, former mayor Councillor Dee Simson, Brighton Pavilion MP Caroline Lucas and Brighton and Hove Buses managing director Martin Harris.

• READ MORE: Tributes to 'wonderful Donatello's boss 

The Argus also created a digital book of condolence so, at a time when friends, family and loved ones may be unable to meet and pay their respects in person, people are still able to pay tribute to Mrs Addis.

A huge number of messages have been sent to the page.

• READ MORE: Tributes shared by readers can be seen here

Argus Editor Arron Hendy was among those to remember the huge contribution Mrs Addis made to Brighton and Hove as both a city and a community.

Police at the scene in Withdean

He said: "Here at The Argus we are in shock. Sue Addis was a stalwart of our community. It felt like she was one of our Argus family.

"She would do anything for anyone, be it the homeless or community groups in Brighton.

• PICTURED: Images from The Argus archive show Sue Addis through the years following her tragic death

"Sue was a huge supporter of The Argus Appeal charity as a trustee for 20 years, helping to raise thousands of pounds, every penny of which was given to local good causes.

Sue Addis

"Sue’s big passion was the smaller charities where a smaller amount of money would make a huge difference.

"She had the ability to mix with everyone in society and never discriminated against anybody."

• CLICK HERE: To read the Editor's tribute in full

This afternoon, Mrs Addis's family also issued a statement through the Donatello Facebook page.

Donatello was founded by Mrs Addis's partner Pietro in 1987 and has become a Brighton institution, sponsoring the city's football club for several years.

• READ MORE: Family issue statement following death of Donatello owner Sue Addis

In recent years, following Pietro's retirement, Mrs Addis ran the restaurant with her three sons.

On Saturday morning, Sussex Police confirmed a 17-year-old boy had been charged with the murder of Sue Addis.

Later that day he appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court for a preliminary hearing.

Wearing a grey sweatshirt and flanked by two security officers, he was remanded in youth detention.

Prosecutor Victoria Grey said: "The youth service is of the view that due to the seriousness of this crime, a remand in secure accommodation would be appropriate."

He is due to appear at Hove Court on Monday, January 11.