A 70-YEAR-OLD woman who was seriously assaulted in her home on Thursday night has died.

Sandra Boakes was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital with critical injuries after being attacked in her home in Grasmere Avenue, Sompting on April 3.

She was treated for her injuries but died while in hospital yesterday (Sat).

Detective Inspector Gordon Denslow, who is leading the investigation into the attack, said: "Sadly, Mrs Boakes succumbed to her injuries early on Saturday evening and passed away at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this dreadfully tragic time."

A post mortem will be held early next week to establish the cause of her death.

Dudley Boakes, 79, retired, of Grasmere Avenue, Sompting, Lancing, appeared at Brighton Magistrates' Court on Saturday, April 5 charged with the attempted murder of Sandra Boakes.

He was remanded to appear at Lewes Crown Court on April 25.

Yesterday police confirmed that no decision will be made on any further charges until the cause of death has been established by the post mortem.