Murder charge after stab death

Hajrudin Hasanovic (32) was remanded in custody when he appeared before magistrates in Chichester last Thursday charged with murdering Cassandra Hasanovic (24) on Tuesday, July 29.

Hasanovic, of Prescott Close in Guston near Dover, spoke only to confirm his name and address during the short hearing and was remanded in custody until he appears at Lewes Crown Court on August 14.

Police and ambulance crews were called to Normanton Avenue, in Bognor Regis, on Tuesday (July 29) afternoon.

Officers said a woman was found with serious stab wounds and was taken by ambulance to St Richard's Hospital, Chichester, where she was declared dead.

Sussex Police has also confirmed the case had been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission because officers visited Mrs Hasanovic on the day of her death.

A spokesman for the force said: 'Because Mrs Hasanovic had been visited by police earlier that day, her death has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission in line with the provisions of the Police Reform Act.'

IPCC Commissioner for Sussex Mike Franklin said: 'My condolences go to Mrs Hasanovic's family and friends following her death.

'I can assure them that the IPCC investigation will be proportionate and thorough but will not hinder the parallel police criminal investigation.

"I have decided that the IPCC will independently investigate the circumstances of any police contact with Mrs Hasanovic prior to her death.

n Mrs Hasanovic's death prompted a rock band to pull out of The Rox festival at the weekend.

The Jet Black Heights cancelled their performance at Sunday's seafront music and arts festival because its guitarist Mike De Souza was Mrs Hasanovic's stepfather.