A man has been charged and a woman has been named following a murder investigation.
Deborah Gumbrell, 59, has been named as the victim after she was pronounced dead at the scene of an incident in Northbourne Close in Shoreham.
James Gumbrell, 64, has been charged with murder and appeared at Crawley Magistrates Court today. He was remanded to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Friday.
Police officers responded to the incident on Monday, October 24, after reports a woman had been “seriously assaulted”.
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing officers shouting “armed police open up” before a man was taken out of the house in handcuffs.
They also saw paramedics entering the building but said that they later came out looking “pretty distraught”.
The road, which is only a ten minute walk from Shoreham train station, had previously been described as "quiet" before emergency services swarmed the area.
A large emergency service presence included ambulances, police and forensic teams.
A police tent and green barrier remain in place outside the house as forensic teams continue their investigations inside the semi-detached house. Flowers were also spotted left outside the property.
The alleged murder is being treated as an "isolated incident" and Deborah and James Gumbrell were "known to each other", according to Sussex Police.
A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "A man has been charged in relation to a murder investigation in Shoreham.
"Police attended Northbourne Close just after 12.40pm on Monday, October 24 following reports a woman had been seriously assaulted inside a property.
"Upon arrival, officers found Deborah Gumbrell, 59, unconscious and despite the best efforts of paramedics, she was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers at this time."
Police are still keen to hear from anyone with information which could help them with the investigation.
That information can be reported to police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Terrace.
Alternatively, information can be passed to police anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article