A man accused of killing a pensioner in a raid on a Mid Sussex post office has been found dead in his prison cell.

Charles Wolfe, 28, of Bishop Lane, Henfield, was found hanging from a knotted bed sheet by warders at Lewes jail.

He was rushed to the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, where he died on Monday.

Wolfe was awaiting trial accused of the manslaughter of pensioner Margaret Hopkins, 68, who was knocked to the floor in the raid on a post office in Jengers Mead, Billingshurst.

Detective Inspector Derek Chambers, who led the investigation, said: "This is a tragic footnote to what was a tragic event with two people now dead."

Mrs Hopkins, of West Street, Billingshurst, was collecting her pension when unemployed Wolfe, wearing a stocking over his head, burst into the post office brandishing a knife and demanded cash.

Customer Graham Harper, 60, of Adversane, grappled with Wolfe and managed to pull the stocking off his head. He was cut on the arm in the struggle.

Mrs Hopkins was knocked to the ground as Wolfe fled empty-handed.

She suffered at least six broken ribs and developed a blood clot in her leg.

She collapsed and died of a pulmonary embolism at her home eight days after the robbery, on October 17 last year.

Her husband, Reg Hopkins, said today: "It is a very sad tale throughout. It has just churned it all up again."

Wolfe had last week admitted attempted robbery. He was on remand awaiting trial for manslaughter and wounding with intent.

Wolfe's death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner.

An internal prison investigation into the death has been launched.