A TEENAGER who police believe was murdered had previously told friends she was being stalked, The Argus can reveal.

Shana Grice, 19, was found dead at home in Chrisdory Road, Mile Oak, on Thursday and a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Friends and neighbours said Ms Grice had been stalked by a man who was "obsessed" with her for some time.

It comes as Sussex Police notified the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) that officers had previously been in contact with the victim.

This is mandatory procedure in these circumstances but last night the force would not confirm if officers knew she was being pursued.

Officers continued to question a 27-year-old, who was arrested in Burgess Hill, last night where he remained in custody.

Meanwhile, her parents Sharon and Richard described Shana is their "beautiful girl" and "a kind thoughtful, caring daughter who always thought of others".

The victim's employer, the Hove-based cash and carry Palmer and Harvey, raised the alarm when Ms Grice did not turn up for work that day.

Officers were called to her home at around 9.45am where smoke and a small fire was found.

The cause of the fire is still under investigation and no more detail has been released.

The former Hove Park School student had recently moved into the house with three other friends who had all left for work before she died.

Ashley Cooke, 21, of Portslade, Ms Grice's boyfriend of three-and-a-half-years, stayed at her house the night before.

Yesterday he told how he gave her a “kiss and a cuddle” goodbye when he left for work at 7am, just hours before her body was found.

The self-employed kitchen fitter was working in Saltdean but rushed back to her house in his van when he realised something was wrong.

Officers were looking at his phone for evidence yesterday while he helped them with their enquiries.

The couple had planned to have dinner together on Friday before attending Ash’s uncle’s wedding together on Saturday. They were planning to start a family next year.

Close friend Sian Best, 19, of Hove, said: “To begin with I could not believe she was gone, then it all began to sink in. It is all very surreal. There were about six of us really close friends at school, we used to call her ‘Mama Shana’ because she was so mature for her age and it was like we were her kids and she was the mother of the group."

Hove Park School deputy headteacher Kevin Alexander said: “The school is shocked and deeply saddened to hear this terrible news. Our thoughts are with Shana's family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Ms Grice's home remained closed off yesterday while forensics teams gathered evidence.

On Thursday sniffer dogs had combed the street, and the track behind which leads to gardens and garages.

Police could not confirm the cause of death last night. The results of a post-mortem carried out yesterday are yet to be announced.

COMMUNITY IN SHOCK OVER LOSS OF ‘BEAUTIFUL ANGEL’

REST in peace, sweet angel.

These were the words spoken in tribute yesterday after friends and workmates heard a bubbly 19-year-old they knew and loved had been killed.

Friends spoke of their pain that “Mama Shana” had been taken from them so soon.

Close friend Sian Best, 19, of Hove, said: “I’ve known Shana for about seven years. She did not have a horrible bone in her body.

“She was the mum of the group, she was so mature for her age – she got a job, had moved in with some friends. It was like we were her kids and she was the mother.

“She hated it when we all argued as girls do. She always wanted everyone to get along. She never had a bad word to say about anybody and always gave people the benefit of the doubt.”

Shana’s long-term boyfriend Ashley Cooke, 21, of Portslade, spent yesterday getting a large tattoo in her memory on his arm.

He said: “Shana was the nicest person you could ever wish to meet. We were planning to have children together next year and we were all ready to settle down but now all that’s not going to happen.

“She was a really kind girl, and she cared about everyone. I don’t know why anyone would do this to her because she wasn’t a nasty person and looked after everyone.”

Georgie Christoforou, 18, of Whitehawk, was in the year below Shana at school.

She said: “I didn’t know her well but she was a sweet girl. Anyone who even had the pleasure of being in her presence knew how much of a funny, loving girl she was.”

Brian Hurley, group HR director at Hove-based cash and carry Palmer and Harvey where Shana worked, said: “We are extremely shocked and saddened to hear of the sudden death of Shana, who worked in our multiple accounts department, and send our heartfelt condolences to her friends and family.

“While Shana only worked with us for a few months, she was a very well-liked and popular member of the Palmer and Harvey family. We have set up counselling for staff and will support them as best we can as we all come to terms with the tragic news.”

Yesterday neighbours said they were in deep shock that something so tragic could happen in the close-knit community.

People stopped each other in the street to express sadness at a life taken so young.

Sheila Sisley, 77, of Stanley Avenue, said: “We are in disbelief that something like this could happen and to a young girl. This is a friendly, quiet area – I was so shocked to see all the police arrive and so sad to hear the news.”

Another neighbour said: “Never in 40 years of living in Mile Oak have I heard of such a dreadful incident.”

Mourners are invited to light candles in Shana’s memory and reflect on the community’s loss at the Church of the Good Shepherd in nearby Stanley Avenue. It will remain open until 11pm every night until further notice.

Vicar Andrew Perry said: “The whole thing has been a terrible shock and it’s going to deeply affect the community.

“We’re offering the church as a place for people to find some calm.”

Others took to the internet to share their grief, describing Shana as a “sweet” and “beautiful angel”.