Man In Hospital After Wife's Death

10 June 2011, 13:23 | Updated: 10 June 2011, 15:13

A 66-year-old man was under arrest in hospital today on suspicion of murdering his wife at their large country house.

He dialled 999 from the six-bedroom property in Nyetimber Lane, West Chiltington, near Horsham, West Sussex, at around 2.40pm yesterday.

When officers arrived, they found him in the hallway with knife wounds to his legs, while the body of his wife, Linda Allen, 64, was found lying in a bed upstairs.

Detectives said there was blood throughout the house but the cause of Mrs Allen's death has not been established.

A post-mortem examination is due to be conducted tomorrow, a Sussex Police spokeswoman said.

Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles, of Sussex Police's major crime branch, said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.

He said: ``The property at Nyetimber Lane, West Chiltington, remains a scene of crime and the cause of Mrs Allen's death is still not known.''

The couple, who lived alone, have been described by neighbours as ``quiet and unassuming'' and are believed to have only recently moved into the property.

The man remains in Worthing Hospital with non life-threatening injuries while under arrest.

Anyone with information is asked to call Sussex Police on 0845 6070 999, quoting Operation Juniper.