Comedian Tommy Cooper’s niece, 68, is found dead at her West Sussex home as police charge man, 59

The niece of comedy legend Tommy Cooper was found dead at her home in an East Sussex town as police charge a man with her murder.

Police who attended an address in Eastbourne at 6.45pm on Sunday after a report of concerns for the welfare of a woman found Sabrina Cooper, 68, dead at the scene. 

Tony King, 59, of Cornfield Terrace, who was known to Ms Cooper, was arrested on Monday morning and charged with one count of murder and possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Police who attended an address in Eastbourne at 6.45pm on Sunday after a report of concerns for the welfare of a woman found Sabrina Cooper dead at the scene 

Ms Cooper was the niece of world-famous comedian and magician Tommy Cooper (pictured) who died in 1984

He has been remanded in custody to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

The grandmother  was related to the British comedian and magician Tommy Cooper, who died suddenly from a heart attack while on stage in 1984, aged 63.

Her father David was Tommy’s brother. 

She previously owned the family-run business Cooper’s Magic Shop in Eastbourne but it closed down in April 2017.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Vickers, of Sussex Police, 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.

Police attended a property at around 6.45pm on Sunday where Ms Cooper was found dead

A man has been charged with the murder of a 68-year-old woman found dead in an East Sussex town. Police are pictured at the scene

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

‘Those inquiries 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.’

Members of the public can report information to police by calling 101 quoting Operation Dorsal. Alternatively, report information anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers online or by calling 0800 555 111.