Heartbreaking tributes to ‘adored’ woman, 58, stabbed to death in seaside town as another woman, 39, & two men arrested

HEARTBREAKING tributes have been paid to an "adored" woman who was stabbed to death in a quiet seaside town.

Rita Lambourne was knifed inside her own home, in Bexhill, East Sussex, at around 10pm on Wednesday.

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The 58-year-old was found with serious stab wounds and tragically pronounced dead at the scene.

Sussex Police have now arrested a third person in connection with the horror.

A 48-year-old man, from Bexhill, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

A woman, 39, was arrested on suspicion of murder on Thursday.

A man, 32, was also detained on suspicion of assisting an offender the same day.

Both have since been released on conditional bail.

All three arrested were known to the victim.

Rita's devastated family have paid tribute in a statement released through Sussex Police.

It read: "Rita was a much loved member of the community and was adored by her family and friends.

"Rita’s family would be extremely grateful for any information that can be offered, and would like to request privacy at this difficult time."

A large blue-light presence was spotted swarming the area on Wednesday night and officers remained on the scene throughout Thursday.

The force are now appealing for any information that could help with their investigation.

Officers have urged anyone who may have been in the Bayencourt South area or surrounding roads between 8pm and 10pm on evening February 12, to cast their minds back.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell said: “We are working tirelessly to establish the full circumstances of this tragic incident. Residents can expect to see a heightened police presence in the local area.

“We are continuing to appeal for anyone who has any information which could help us with our investigation to contact us.

"Were you in the area of Bayencourt South or the surrounding roads between 8pm and 10pm on the evening of the 12 February.

"Did you see or hear anything unusual? Even if you believe you saw nothing, your information may still be valuable.

"If you were in a vehicle during this time and have dash cam footage, you can upload it and any other information directly to our Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) by following the link below.”

A Sussex Police spokesperson said: "Police have arrested a third person in connection with the death of a woman in Bexhill on Wednesday (February 12).

"Emergency services were called just after 10pm to Bayencourt South to a report of a woman who had been stabbed in her address.

"A 58-year-old woman, now identified as Rita Lambourne, sadly died at the scene from her injuries."