Crawley Down murders: Family pay tribute to 'feisty and brave' 76-year-old killed 'trying to save teacher'

Sandy Seagrave, 76, was killed on Sunday
Sussex Police/PA Wire
Jacob Jarvis27 December 2019
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A 76-year-old woman murdered in West Sussex has been described as feisty and brave amid reports she stepped in to try to save a teacher who was also killed.

Sandy Seagrave and 32-year-old Amy Appleton were found dead outside a semi-detached house in a quiet street in Crawley Down on Sunday.

Ms Seagrave’s family paid tribute to her in a statement on Friday after reports suggested she was killed after trying to come to the aid of Ms Appleton, who taught at Copthorne Church of England Junior School.

“She was one of a kind, an eccentric character who was stubbornly independent, feisty, brave and not afraid of anything,” they said.

“She was devoted to children and especially animals, including a wild fox who we are continuing to feed now that she has gone.”

Forensics: Tents were erected in Hazel Way, Crawley Down, West Sussex following the incident
PA

Sussex Police have not yet released details of how the two women died, but said it was not a knife attack and that one of the victims was known to the suspect.

Police said a 37-year-old man arrested on suspicion of their murders remains on life support after he was found seriously injured inside the property.

Crime scene: Police forensics officers investigate
PA

Detective chief inspector Chris Friday said: “I extend my heartfelt sympathies to their families, who are being supported by specialist trained officers. I ask that people respect their privacy at this distressing time."

Chief superintendent Jerry Westerman, West Sussex divisional commander, said: “This was an isolated, yet shocking incident that has shaken many in the community.

“We are thankful to them for supporting officers as they go about their enquiries and anyone wants to talk to them about their concerns or if they have any information they should talk with them.”

Police are continuing to investigate the incident.

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