A young woman wanted on suspicion of murdering her mother remained on the run last night despite police closing in on her.

Sussex Police said there had been "positive sightings" of Nicola Edgington, 25, but she had so far evaded capture.

Teams of police officers were still searching for Nicola Edgington, who was yesterday named as the "only suspect" in the killing of mother-of-three Marion Edgington, 60.

Divorcee Mrs Edgington's body was found by her son Thomas, 23, and youngest daughter Sara, 20, at her home in Upper Close, Forest Row, near East Grinstead, in the early hours of Saturday.

Neighbours yesterday said they had heard a "real ding-dong" of an argument at the house during Friday evening, possibly about the care of Nicola Edgington's children.

A post mortem revealed Mrs Edgington had died of stab wounds.

A Sussex Police spokeswoman said: "Teams of dedicated officers from Sussex Police Major Crime Branch are continuing to search for Nicola Edgington, daughter of Marion Edgington who was found murdered.

"There have been some positive reports from members of the public following yesterdays appeal, which officers are following up throughout today. It is vital that police trace Nicola Edgington, who is from London, and speak to her in connection with this incident."

Police have been focusing the search for Ms Edgington, who is married with two young boys, in the Woolwich area of South London.

It is understood from neighbours that Mrs Edgington and her daughter had an angry row on Friday evening, just hours before the 60-year-old's body was found in a ground floor room.

Yesterday neighbour Graham Pedder, 46, said: "All I know is that I heard at least three female voices in the house next door on Friday. I heard lots of profanities being used. It was a real ding-dong."

Yesterday, Sara Edgington, an office assistant from London, appealed for her sister to "turn herself in to police".

She told a press conference: "We cannot come to terms with what has happened until we know where you are. If anyone knows where she is then please contact Sussex Police."

She described her sister as a "chav" but said her mother, who worked as a cleaner, was "perfect in every way".

Police said Ms Edgington would be immediately arrested on suspicion of murder when located. Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, leading the murder inquiry, said: "It is now vital that we find Nicola. We need to speak to her about this tragic incident. It is my intention that she will be arrested on suspicion of murder. She is the only nominated suspect.

"I am also concerned for her personal welfare and would appeal to anyone who has any information about her whereabouts to contact Sussex Police."

Police forensic experts were yesterday also continuing to comb Mrs Edgington's semi-detached cottage in Upper Close for clues.

Nicola is described as 25 years old, 5'3" tall with long fair hair and slim build. Any person who has any information as to her whereabouts is asked to contact police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Clock.