Murder ruled out by detectives investigating Hove pensioner’s death

Detectives investigating the death of a Hove pensioner said that they were no longer treating it as suspicious.

The body of Evelyn Stevens, 88, was found outside her home in Baltimore Court in The Drive, Hove, shortly before 7am on Thursday 3 January.

Sussex Police arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of murdering Mrs Stevens.

He has been stood down from police bail and faces no further action, the force said this afternoon (Wednesday 6 February).

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Pollard, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “Following a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Mrs Stevens, and after receiving the results of forensic examinations, I am satisfied there is no evidence to conclude her death was suspicious.

“Although exactly what happened on that night is still unclear the police investigation will now be closed.

“Our thoughts remain with the friends and family of Mrs Stevens as they continue to seek answers about how she died.”

He said that a report would be sent to the coroner for an inquest.