Update 2 to Operation Kingsgate

Dear Copthorne Residents

Below is the latest update and press release in relation to the investigation into the tragic death of Joanna Hakesley on Wednesday the 28th October .

A 26-year-old man from Crawley, who was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the death of Joanna Hakesley in Copthorne on Wednesday (October 28), is continuing to be interviewed by Major Crime Branch detectives.

He was arrested in Furnace Green, Crawley, late on Saturday evening (October 31). A warrant of extension has been issued until 11pm on Tuesday.

Joanna Hakesley, 70, of Bramble Close, Copthorne, was in a collision with a stolen red Mazda, which failed to stop following the incident in Church Road at around 11.30am.

Det Ch Insp Trevor Bowles, from Sussex Police Major Crime Branch, who is leading the investigation, revealed that he wants to speak to another driver who was in the area around 11.35am.

"I am very keen to speak to the driver of a dark, possibly blue, Nissan Navara that was in Brookhill Road, Copthorne, when the Mazda 323 pulled across its path. This driver is an important witness and I would urge them to come forward and contact 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Kingsgate."

Many Thanks

T/Ps Amy Mason DM088

E Section Neighbourhood Response Team

East Grinstead Police Station

East court

East Grinstead

West Sussex

RH19 3LX

Telephone - 0845 60 70 999 Ext: 32234

Voicemail - 0845 60 70 999 Ext:17290

E-mail - amy.mason@sussex.pnn.police