A MAN has been arrested over the “brutal” murder of a woman in 2013.

Valerie Graves was found in her bedroom in Smugglers Lane, Bosham, on December 30.

The 55-year-old grandmother had been staying at the property while the owners were away over the Christmas period.

She had been house sitting for family friends in the £1.6 million home.

Since the murder, police have released several appeals including a £10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of Valerie’s killer.

This morning a man has been arrested in Romania on a European Arrest Warrant (EAW) in connection with her murder.

Romanian national Cristian Sabou, 28, was arrested at his address in Dej by officers from the Romanian National Police, who served the warrant which had been authorised by a district judge in the UK.

Detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team were present in Romania to work with the authorities there.

Detective chief inspector Jon Fanner said: “This is a major development in the case.

“It follows detailed enquiries in Romania by officers from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, in which we were assisted by valuable liaison with local law enforcement officers of the General Police Inspectorate, Criminal Investigations Directorate, Bucharest, the Criminal Investigation Service in Cluj, and the Special Operations Brigade in Cluj, also the local prosecutor.

“We have worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service throughout and they have authorised the prosecution.

“We have also had valuable support from the National Crime Agency’s overseas network.

“Valerie’s family have been kept informed of developments but they are not making any public statement at this time.

“We now hope to ensure, subject to the decision of the Romanian courts and judicial authorities, Sabou’s return to this country for an appearance before magistrates with a view to his being sent for Crown Court trial.

“This is a major development in our task of achieving justice for Valerie and her family, but now the case is before the courts, proceedings are active, and we are not in a position to disclose any further information at this time.

Sabou’s extradition is now being sought through the Romanian courts and he will now appear court in Cluj-Napoca to face extradition proceedings.