A 48-year-old man from Bexhill has been charged with murder following the fatal wounding of a woman in the town last week.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed this morning (18 February) that Donald Excell, of Seabourne Road, Bexhill, has been charged in connection with the death of 58-year-old Rita Lambourne.
Emergency services were called to an address in Bayencourt South, Bexhill, just after 10pm on Wednesday, 12 February. Despite the best efforts of paramedics, Ms Lambourne was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Excell was arrested at the scene and has now been formally charged. He appeared before Brighton Magistrates’ Court today and was remanded in custody. He is due to appear at the Crown Court on Wednesday, 19 February.
Two other individuals were also arrested in connection with the incident. A 39-year-old woman from Bexhill, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, and a 32-year-old man from Bexhill, arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender, have both been released with no further action.
Appeal for Information
Detective Chief Inspector Alex Campbell, Senior Investigating Officer, described the case as “a hugely distressing incident, not least for the family and friends of Rita, but also the wider community.”
He added: “I’d like to thank the public for their patience and understanding while our officers have conducted enquiries in the local area.
“Our officers will remain on patrol for reassurance, and in the meantime, I would still urge anyone who can assist us in our investigation to please come forward and contact us.
“We are specifically asking the public for their help in locating two items which we believe are connected to the offence and are currently outstanding.
“One is a navy blue The North Face bag (pictured below) and the second is an axe we believe was used in the attack. We are asking all residents in Bexhill to please check your bins, gardens, and other outside spaces where these items may have been hidden. If you see anything suspicious, please get in touch – any information, no matter how small, could be crucial.”
Members of the public can submit any information directly to the Major Incident Public Portal or by calling 101 and quoting Operation Mulberry.
