An 84-year-old woman died after plunging from her window as she tried to open it.

The pensioner, named locally as Cathy Short, was found lying on the pavement outside Lloyds bank in High Street, Steyning, at 6.30am Wednesday. The emergency services were called but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Police cordoned off the scene as they launched an investigation into how she died.

Mrs Short had lived in the flat above the bank for some years and was described as “cheerful” and well known in the area. When staff arrived at the bank shortly before it opened at 9am the police tape was in place but they were not told what had happened Police say they are not treating the fall as suspicious but are investigating how she went out of the window.

An inquest has been opened and adjourned.

Anyone with any information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.