Man tried to hand himself in for murder – but police desk was shut

A MURDER suspect tried to hand himself in at a police station but had to phone officers instead because the front desk was closed.

The 51-year-old arrived at 6am on Thursday, only to find the counter – where the public can report crimes – was not open until 8am.

He then proceeded to phone 999 while standing outside the police station in Brighton and officers later found the body of 46-year-old Samaritans volunteer Jillian Howell at a house in the town. She had been stabbed multiple times and was pronounced dead at the scene, police said.

Yesterday police said the unnamed suspect, from Seaford, remained in custody and a post-mortem examination was due to be carried out.

A Sussex Police spokesman said: ‘The time from when officers were deployed to when they were with the man was less than a minute.’

Miss Howell’s family paid tribute to her, saying: ‘Jill was a kind, gentle and loving sister, auntie and friend. We are shocked and heartbroken by her loss.

‘She touched many lives in her volunteer work and was always helping others. She loved to travel, was a passionate Brighton and Hove Albion fan and season ticket holder.’