Detectives investigating the death of an 88-year-old woman in Hove have been given extra time to question a man in custody.

Officers have been granted extra time by magistrates, meaning a 49-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder can be held by police until tonight (Saturday, January 5).

Although formal identification has not yet taken place, the woman is believed to be Evelyn Stevens of The Drive, Hove.

A post mortem was carried out on the body of Mrs Stevens yesterday (Friday, January 4).

The results revealed injuries consistent with a fall from height. The circumstances as to how she came to her death remain under investigation.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: "Shortly before 7am on Thursday, January 3 the body of Mrs Stevens was found outside her flat in Baltimore Court, The Drive.

"Detectives from Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team continue to investigate the cause of her death."

Police are appealing for anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in the area of Baltimore Court before 7am on Thursday 3 January to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Atlantic or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.