A family is appealing for clues to what happened to their mother shortly before she collapsed and died.

Penny Lines, 69, was found in Forest Road, Coldean, Brighton, at about 7pm on Monday evening with her two West Highland white terrier dogs beside her.

Despite efforts of emergency services and members of the public, she died at the scene from acute heart failure.

Her daughter Sarah Lines, from Brighton, is now appealing for anyone who may have seen her in the hours leading up to her death to come forward.

She said: “We are also trying to find two bags that we believe she had with her when she left home, but that were not with her in Forest Road.

“The last time I spoke to her was about 3pm and we went our separate ways.

"She was later found a few minutes from where she lived – but we are just curious to know what she did from about 3pm onwards.

“If anything she may have put the bags down somewhere because she may have been feeling a bit poorly.

“She had dementia and was known for walking in the area.”

Ms Lines says one of the bags was a black shopping bag with pictures of Westie dogs on it. The other was a rucksack.

It is thought one of the bags contained a dog bowl but nothing of particular value.

Ms Lines, who has three sisters and a brother, added: “We’ve searched everywhere for them but can’t find them.

“I know she had them when she left the house that day.

“It’s been sad losing my mum but I would like to thank the emergency services and the members of the public who tried to help her.

“There was one particular person who made efforts to help and we are grateful.”

  • l If you saw Penny Lines during that afternoon or evening and can help with the family’s efforts to retrace her steps, contact ben.leo@theargus.co.uk or call 01273 544 525.