The killer of grandmother Marie Harding must be locked away for good, her family has said.

Speaking for the first time since she was stabbed to death, they said they had lost a "loving, caring and devoted mum, wife and friend".

Relatives including Mrs Harding's 73-year-old husband Victor (known as Jim), daughter Julie and grandchildren Natalie and Daniel, thanked Sussex Police for their investigation "to rid our streets of this evil person for ever".

And in a moving message to Mrs Harding, they said: "Our love and thoughts will always be with you."

Police are continuing to question a 24-year-old man at a north London police station over the murder, which happened in Southwick last Wednesday.

Mrs Harding's family said: "We would like to express our thanks and gratitude for the support given to us by family, friends, employers and well-wishers at the time of this tragic loss of Marie.

"We would also like to send our special thanks to all the members of the Sussex Police investigation team and family liaison team for the time, effort and support given to us."

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, heading the investigation, Operation Abalone, said: "We are still interviewing the man arrested.

"Meanwhile, our thoughts are with Mrs Harding's family at this tragic time."

Mrs Harding, 73, was killed by a single stab wound to her neck.

She had been walking to her home in Highdown, Southwick, from her daughter's house when she was attacked in a secluded lane off Highdown Close.

Mrs Harding had dedicated her life to Brighton and Hove Albion and her family requested donations, instead of flowers, should be made to the club's £2 million appeal.

A note from the family on a fans' web site said: "To know people are thinking about Marie is very comforting."

Mrs Harding was a turnstile operator for many years at the Goldstone ground and since 1997 had worked part-time in the Queen's Road ticket office.

Her daughter Julie worked full-time in the ticket office. Her granddaughter Natalie plays in one of the club's junior ladies' teams and grandson Daniel played for the Junior Seagulls.

Tim Carder, chairman of the Brighton and Hove Albion Supporters' Club, said: "She was a lovely, caring lady who wouldn't have hurt a fly."

Donations in Mrs Harding's memory should be sent to Brighton and Hove Albion, Tower Point, 44 North Road, Brighton, BN1 1YR.