Police have launched a murder inquiry after the death of a mother of four who suffered stab wounds.

One of her children dialled 999 from their home in Gorringe Road, Eastbourne, last night.

The 44-year-old mother was taken to Eastbourne District General Hospital but was found to be dead.

A 46-year-old painter and decorator who was at the house when police arrived was arrested and was helping detectives with their inquiries today.

All the children in the house, aged between 11 and 16, were today being cared for by relatives.

Neighbours said there are two sets of twin boys and an adopted child, a girl, who is the eldest.

The dead woman was named by her mother-in-law as Kim Baldry.

Dorothy Baldry, who also lives in Gorringe Road, said: "She was a lovely girl, really lovely. The children are round here. They are traumatised."

The dead woman was believed to be co-owner of the Ennis House Rest Home, Enys Road, Eastbourne. Staff at the home were refusing to comment.

This morning police officers were outside the house and a neighbour said: "This road really isn't as quiet as it looks. There was a murder in the allotment opposite about five years ago.

"There are druggies round here as well."

Another neighbour, Panos Nishotis, 60, said: "I believe she and her family moved into the area about two years ago.

"She seemed very friendly but we didn't know the family especially well to speak to.

"It has come as an enormous shock. The police were round here last night carrying out house-to-house inquiries but we didn't know it was a murder."

Neighbour Susan Willis said: "She was a really lovely lady. She looked after her children beautifully and we got on really well."

An incident room was set up at Eastbourne police station and a team of detectives were working on the case, Operation Duxford.

A police spokesman said: "We have someone in custody. We are keeping an open mind and a full investigation is under way."