Teacher death suspect in hospital

Blair Graham Alexander Marrows, 45, was due to appear in court yesterday (Monday, March 24) charged with killing mother-of-one Donna Coe, 44.

But the hearing was postponed after the former Midhurst Grammar School teacher was taken to hospital with what police described as a hand injury.

A post-mortem examination revealed the maths teacher had died from multiple stab wounds at her home in Dickens Lane, Petersfield in Hampshire.

Police described the attack which led to her death as 'frenzied and violent'. As well as stab wounds she suffered injuries to her head.

Ms Coe's body was found lying at the foot of the stairs in her four-bedroom home on Friday afternoon.

It is not yet known exactly when she died although she was known to have spoken to friends and relatives on the phone on Thursday.

Detective Chief Inspector Scott Chilton, who is leading the investigation, said the alarm had been raised by relatives who were concerned when they were unable to get Ms Coe to answer the door.

Neighbours believe the police were called when the victim's 14-year-old daughter, who had been staying with her father during the holidays, was unable to get in.

After the 999 call police arrived and broke down the door, to make the grisly discovery. The girl is now thought to be with her grandparents.

DCI Chilton said Ms Coe was from a 'close-knit family'.

"It has obviously been quite devastating for them, particularly the young girl," he said. "She is very distressed and very upset"

Ms Coe and Marrows had been living together at the house although neighbours said they were not a couple.