The family of Paula Ramsden, the Horsham wife who died in a fall from Beachy Head, is considering bringing a private prosecution against her husband.

An appeal fund has been set up in the hope of bringing court action against Paul Ramsden, alleged by a coroner to be a man who might have murdered his 32-year-old wife Paula.

Mr Ramsden, of Crofton Cottages, Horsham, was questioned by police after his wife plunged from the 500ft cliffs near Eastbourne.

The couple lived in Ash Close, Crawley Down.

A three-day inquest ended with coroner Alan Craze branding Mr Ramsden, 38, a dishonest control freak with a motive for killing her.

Mr Craze said many people would think Mr Ramsden had killed his wife.

Mrs Ramsden's family, from Hayling Island, Hampshire, say they hope to bring a private prosecution to obtain justice for her two children.

Her father Ken Cottle, 63, said: "We have every chance of bringing a private prosecution. The police have said they will assist in every way."

Detectives today revealed they had received one call with possible new information following a renewed appeal about Mrs Ramsden's death on January 9, 2000.

A spokesman said: "It's too early to say whether this will prove to be significant."

Mr Ramsden was arrested on suspicion of her murder but no charges have been brought.

The inquest heard he stood to gain more than £225,000 from a life insurance policy on his wife.

Mr Craze suggested Mr Ramsden, a £31,000-a-year Shell operations manager, had shoved Mrs Ramsden to her death to collect the pay-out and start a new life with mistress Liz Harrison, 30.

The inquest also heard that before Mrs Ramsden's death her brother Mark, 37, was killed in a road accident.

Mr and Mrs Ramsden were said to go up to Beachy Head to "be closer" to Mark.