An elderly couple are being looked after by social services after their grandson was killed in their home.
Winifred Floyd, 88, and her husband Charles, 90, had lived at their bungalow in Elbridge Crescent, Bognor, for more than 30 years.
Neighbours said Mrs Floyd suffered from dementia and was confined to bed. Her husband had suffered a stroke.
For the last 20 years they had been cared for in their home by their son Bob, 64, and grandson Lee, 36.
Police were called to the house on Saturday after Lee was fatally stabbed in the stomach.
The frail couple were upstairs in bed at the time and were unaware of the tragedy unfolding below.
Paramedics and an air ambulance were called to the scene but Lee died from his injuries shortly afterwards.
It is believed Lee's father called the emergency services and a large knife was later recovered from the house.
Bob Floyd, a former soldier, was later charged with murdering his son.
He was remanded in custody after appearing at Worthing Magistrates’ Court yesterday. (mon) Floyd, who has problems with his feet which affect his mobility, was not able to manage the steep steps from the cells to the dock.
Magistrate Jackie Casey agreed Floyd could remain in the cells during the brief hearing.
Kirsten Sharp, prosecuting, said: “Mercifully, Mr and Mrs Floyd were not aware of what was happening downstairs.”
Julia Moffatt, defending, did not enter a plea on Floyd's behalf and did not ask for bail.
It is understood his parents were found places at a care home by West Sussex County Council's social services department on Saturday.
Shocked neighbours in Elbridge Crescent described them as a lovely couple who kept themselves to themselves.
John Bass, 67, the founder of Willowhale Farm Residents Association, said: “They had lived there for 30 years.
“They had a garage next to ours for some time so we got to know them quite well.
“Winifred suffered from dementia but had been unwell for some time before that.
“Her husband suffered a stroke or a heart attack and their son came to live with them about 20 years ago.
“He was on his own at first and then their grandson Lee came to live with them as well.
“They were a really nice couple but they were a close-knit family and tended to keep themselves to themselves.”
Floyd will appear at Lewes Crown Court for a plea and case management hearing on November 19.
Detective Chief Inspector Jeff Riley, from Sussex Police’s major crime branch, is appealing for anyone with information or who knew the family to call 0845 6070999 quoting Operation Yewtree.
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