A mother found dead with stab wounds at a bungalow near Brighton has been named.

Deborah Anscombe, 40, known as Debbie, was found in the bedroom of a bungalow in Cissbury Avenue, Peacehaven, yesterday at 7.10am.

Her children, aged 11 and seven, were at the home although police could not confirm whether they had witnessed an attack.

A 45-year-old man who suffered stab wounds in the incident is under police guard at the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton.

His condition is said to be serious but stable.

It is thought he telephoned relatives who went to the property and found the body.

The children were being interviewed by specially-trained police officers and said to be "distressed". They are being cared for by relatives.

Mrs Anscombe had worked as a nurse at the Fourways Nursing Home in Bramber Avenue, Peacehaven.

A former colleague said: "Debbie was fantastic. She worked here about three or four years ago but we all kept in touch with her. The kids would come here at Christmas and we'd have a visit from Santa."

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Moore, who is leading the murder inquiry, said: "The children are being interviewed by police officers trained as social workers. We are hoping to interview the man in the next few days."