Woman murdered in Chichester named as Debbie Levey (From The Argus)

Woman murdered in Chichester named as Debbie Levey

12:10pm Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News By Anna Roberts & Neil Vowles

A woman found murdered has been named locally as “fun-loving” Debbie Levey.

Ms Levey, who said on Facebook that she was from Brighton but lived in Chichester, was discovered at a home in East Ashling on Monday morning.

Police officers were called to Cherry Tree Cottage on the B2178 road through the village shortly before 8am by paramedics.

They had attended a report of a 44-year-old woman found dead in the house by a colleague who had arrived to take her to work.

Today her friend Sarah Cairns told The Argus: “You will be sadly missed by all and you where a fun-loving women and am so glad I knew you. RIP honey.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Pollard from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, who is leading the investigation, said: "While initially it was thought that we were dealing with a sudden death, officers became increasingly suspicious of the circumstances.

“As yet, the cause of her death is unexplained and we are awaiting the results of a post mortem that will take place on Tuesday. However, our enquiries lead us to believe that this was not a natural death and a murder enquiry has been launched.

"The last time that the woman was seen to be alive was at her home at 12.30pm on Sunday.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw her or was in contact with her after that time up until Monday morning.

"We would also like to hear from anyone who was in the East Ashling area on Sunday afternoon or early evening and who saw a blue Vauxhall Vectra parked in a small lay-by just across the road from Cherry Tree Cottage.

"If you can help please call us on 101 quoting Operation Dive. You can also call independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

A 45-year-old man from Selsey, who was known to the woman, was arrested on Monday evening on suspicion of her murder and remained in custody this morning.

Pay tribute to Ms Levey below or email anna.roberts@theargus.co.uk

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