Crawley Down murders – Woman, 76, 'bludgeoned to death with her own walking stick as she tried to save murder victim'

THIS is the first picture of a tragic 76-year-old woman bludgeoned to death with her own walking stick as she heroically tried to save a murder victim.

Sandy Prince was discovered dead outside a home in Crawley Down, West Sussex, along with a 32-year-old woman in a Christmas bloodbath.

The pensioner had bravely attempted to help the second victim as a man yelled "I'm going to kill you" – but was cruelly battered to death with her own walking stick.

A 37-year-old man, said to be an ex-partner of one of the women, was found seriously injured inside.

He was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to hospital where he remains in a "very unstable" condition, police said today.

Earlier reports had suggested the two women were mother and daughter, but it has since emerged they did not know each other.

A horrified neighbour who knows Sandy, who also uses the name Sandra Seagrave, said: "The elderly woman was walking past and he killed her with her walking stick.

"She was just walking past at the time and saw what was happening and tried to intervene."

'I'M GOING TO KILL YOU'

Children inside the property were escorted out by police with their view of the bodies blocked by officers holding up a towel.

Police said today the suspect was only known to one of the victims.

Paying tribute to the older victim, one neighbour said she had been using the walking stick for around six months after a fall.

She added: "We heard she tried to help somebody being attacked.

"Her (second) husband died about five years ago from cancer. She’s lived in the village for around 30 years.

"We are all shocked. It’s terrible."

Another local added: "Someone that I know heard shouting and swearing and heard 'I'm going to kill you'.

"There was a domestic dispute or argument that was going on. There was shouting and threats made and the police were called."

Sussex Police denied earlier reports from neighbours that the victims had been stabbed.

The two women suffered major head injuries, while the suspect was believed to have slashed his own throat and neck, a source said.

A fleet of ambulances, a helicopter and teams of police raced to the scene.

White sheets covered both bodies which lay in the road where they fell. The suspect was taken by ambulance to hospital in Brighton.

DCI Geldart said: "This is a tragic incident which has led to the death of two local women, one of whom was known to the suspect.

"Members of the public, police and paramedics did all they could to help the victims but sadly the two women died at the scene.

"I extend my heartfelt sympathies to their families, who are being supported by specialist trained officers."

Anyone with information is asked to call 101, quoting Operation Deanland, or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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