Sudden death in Worthing shop leaves customer out of pocket

Georgina Hodgson placed an order with bathroom and kitchen shop Bathscene in High Street, Worthing, in August, just before an incident took place there.

On August 4, the road was closed from Waitrose to Chatsworth Road while paramedics and officers dealt with a medical incident, Sussex Police said.

Police confirmed a 53-year-old man who was in the shop died.

The business has since gone into liquidation, with administrators saying it was due to the 'unexpected passing of its former director'.

Paramedics and police officers were seen entering Bathscene and police tape was put up along the road and around the business.

Following this, the business shut permanently with customers not receiving their orders.

An air ambulance landed in Steyne Gardens during the incident (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) Mrs Hodgson, from Worthing, had put down a deposit of £1,300 for a new bathroom, which has not been returned to her.

She did not receive her order and was left in a difficult situation, having instructed workmen to install it.

She said: “We like to use local businesses. They were very good and helpful.

“The workmen were scheduled to complete the job.

“We waited for months and they were due to start at the beginning of September.

"Eventually they went to another company to complete the job.

“I was told I needed to email the company with the invoice which I did but I never heard back.

“I’ve sent them about four or five emails but no response.

“It’s a hell of a lot of money to lose.

“It’s really sad what happened. I feel incredibly sorry for the family. At the centre of it there’s a tragedy."

The road was cordoned off during the incident (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)FRP Advisory, a business advisory firm, has confirmed the business is in the process of entering into liquidation. 

A spokesman for FRP Advisory, who is managing the liquidation of the business, said: “Bathscene Limited is set to enter creditors' voluntary liquidation in January 2025, with Philip Harris of FRP Advisory to be appointed as liquidator."

The spokesman said 'the company, a bathroom retailer based in Worthing, ceased trading following the unexpected passing of its former director'.

They added: “It had operated from its premises in the town retailing bathroom units.

READ MORE: Villagers welcome new pub after eight years without one

“The company's four employees were made redundant prior to FRP's appointment. FRP has been working with the company to facilitate an orderly wind down of the business, including the sale of assets and with suppliers concerning the return of stock.

“All known customers who had placed deposits with the company have already been contacted directly regarding the current position and proposed liquidation.

Emergency services at the scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures) "FRP will continue to engage with these customers to assist them in exploring options to recover their funds where possible.”

Philip Harris, restructuring partner at FRP Advisory, said: "We are working closely with all stakeholders to achieve the best possible outcome in these difficult circumstances.

“We will continue to provide updates to those affected as the liquidation process moves forward."

Any customers who have not been contacted should email gemma.rolandi@frpadvisory.com or call 01273 916 666.

A spokesman for Sussex Police said: “Emergency services responded to a medical incident at an address in Worthing High Street on August 4.

“A 53-year-old man was given medical treatment, but sadly was later pronounced deceased.

“There were no suspicious circumstances and his next of kin were informed.

“A report was prepared for HM Coroner.”