The family of a woman who was found dead at her Hove home have described her as "vibrant and vivacious."

Evelyn Stevens was found in The Drive, Hove shortly before 7am on Thursday, January 3.

The family of the 88-year-old released a statement which said: "We are saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of Evelyn Stevens.

"Evelyn was a vibrant and vivacious character, with a love of the finer things in life.

"We hope that she is now resting in peace. We fully support the police in their investigation, and ask that our privacy is respected at this time."

A 49-year-old man arrested on suspicion of the murder of Mrs Stevens has been bailed.

Detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team released the man from custody on police bail until 19 February pending further enquiries.

A post mortem on her body revealed that she suffered injuries consistent with a fall from height.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Pollard of Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team is leading the investigation.

He said: "The 49-year-old man has today been released from custody on bail and our investigation into how Mrs Stevens died continues.

"There are still a number of lines of enquiry we are following."

Anyone with information which may assist police with their enquiries is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 quoting Operation Atlantic.