The death of an 88-year-old woman will not be investigated by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).
An IPCC spokeswoman confirmed it is referring the death of Evelyn Stevens back to Sussex Police after investigators found “no evidence of a causational link between police actions and the woman’s death”.
She added it is standard procedure for an incident to be referred to the IPCC when police are in contact with a victim shortly before a death.
Ms Stevens’ body was found outside her home at Baltimore Court in The Drive, Hove, shortly before 7am on January 3. The Argus revealed that she called the police for help the day before she died.
A 49-year-old man arrested on suspicion of her murder has been released on bail until February 19.
Mrs Stevens had lived alone since the death of her husband Brian. She was a community stalwart and a former chairman of Baltimore Court Residents’ Association.
The IPCC spokeswoman said: “Following a thorough assessment of the circumstances we have determined this is suitable to be referred back to the force.”
Detective Chief Inspector Ian Pollard, of Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “Our investigation into how Mrs Stevens died continues.
“There are still a number of lines of inquiry we are following.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting Operation Atlantic.
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