Comedy legend Tommy Cooper’s niece Sabrina found ‘murdered’ at her home in Eastbourne as man arrested

COMEDY legend Tommy Cooper's niece has been murdered at her home.

Sabrina Cooper, 68, is said to have been found "covered in blood" in the hallway of her Eastbourne flat.

Police were called to her home at 6.45pm on Sunday over concerns for her welfare.

Grandmother Sabrina was found dead at the scene and Tony King, 59, who was known to her, has since been charged with her murder.

She was related to Welsh comic and magician Tommy - who died on stage from a heart attack in 1984 - through her dad David, who was Tommy's brother.

Sabrina was once pictured with her daughter Natasha and mum Zena wearing a red fez hat famously worn by 6ft 3in Tommy during his performances.

Sabrina ran Cooper's Magic Shops in Eastbourne, East Sussex, the family business set up by her parents.

She was heartbroken when she had to close the store - which was beneath her flat where she was discovered - in 2017 due to challenges brought on by the internet.

Locals said Sabrina was a "lovely" woman who owned two dogs and had at least two grandchildren.

They also said she was thought to have been suffering from cancer.

One local coffee shop worker said: "I used to see her when I popped out for a break and we'd always have a chat.

"She was really friendly and well-known locally.

"I last saw her out walking her dogs the day before she died. I'm devastated."

Sabrina's alleged murderer King lived in a nearby flat which cops were seen at yesterday.

He was nicked in the early hours of Monday and interviewed by detectives, who charged him with murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

King was remanded in custody to appear before Brighton JPs this morning.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers said: “Our thoughts are with Sabrina's family and friends at this difficult time. We are supporting them and keeping them updated on the progress of this fast-moving investigation.

“We understand this incident will also cause upset and concern in the community, and I would like to reassure people that this is being treated as an isolated incident involving people known to each other, and with no threat to the wider public.

“We have already completed extensive enquiries and this has resulted in a person being arrested and charged within 48 hours of police initially attending the address.

"Those enquiries will continue as the case progresses through the court, and we encourage anyone with concerns or information relating to what happened to get in touch with us.”

Anyone with information should call police on 101 quoting Operation Dorsal.