Carol Smith found dead in Bexhill 'with gunshot wounds'

Police say a post-mortem examination gave a provisional cause of death for the 75-year-old as "an injury consistent with gunshot wounds".

Police and paramedics discovered her body after being called to an address in Watermill Lane at 1.45am on Saturday.

The body of Carol Smith was found at an address in Watermill Lane, Bexhill, in the early hours of Saturday morning

A 78-year-old man, who is known to her, was also found at the scene with a serious injury.

He was arrested in connection with the incident and taken to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

An inquest into Carol Smith's death will be formally opened on Thursday, February 11, and then adjourned for further enquiries.

A post-mortem has been carried out and a provisional cause of death for Carol Smith was an injury consistent with gunshot wounds

Detective Inspector Duncan Elliott from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Unit said: "This is being treated as a tragic isolated incident and we are not looking for anyone else in connection to it.

"Carol's family have released a photo of her. Our thoughts are with them at this incredibly difficult time and we would ask the public to respect their privacy."

The scene in Bexhill on Saturday

Crime scene investigators in white overalls were seen outside the semi-detached property where the body was found on Saturday.

A large tent was set up in the front garden, and uniformed officers remained stationed at the scene throughout the day.