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Detectives keeping an 'open mind' about Sussex murder

Police are still looking for the person responsible for the murder of an artist in Sussex.

Valerie Graves, 55, was found dead with significant head and facial injuries on 30 December 2013 in the bedroom of a property she was house sitting.

Ms Graves had graduated in textile design seven years ago and set up her own crafts studio at Harestanes near Jedburgh.

She had only moved to Sussex in the past few months to look after her elderly mother.

Police have still to make an arrest in connection with the incident.

Detectives say they are keeping an open mind as to the motive for the murder. The possibility of a break-in at the property has not been ruled out.

"There is no update at the moment. The investigation is continuing and we have a large team of detectives working on the case."

– Sussex Police
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Textile School pays tribute to 'creative artist'

Murdered artist Valerie Graves attended the Galashiels based School of Textile and Design as a mature student.

She graduated from the Heriot-Watt University campus with a BA Hons. in 2007.

Fiona Waldron, Head of the School of Textiles and Design at Heriot-Watt University’s Scottish Borders Campus, said:

“We are very sorry to hear of Valerie’s death, especially in such tragic circumstances, and our thoughts are with her family and friends.

“Valerie came to the School of Textiles and Design as a mature student with a background in weaving. However, following an exchange visit to Finland as part of her course, she developed an interest in felted materials, a strong Finnish tradition, and incorporated that in her successful degree course as well as later, when she set up a studio locally specialising in fashion and ornamental felted textiles.

“She was a very creative person, with a wide range of artistic interests, and she will be much missed.”

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Family pay tribute to Maxton woman killed in Sussex

The family of Valerie Graves who was found dead at a house in Smugglers Lane, Bosham, on Monday 30 December have paid tribute to her.

Her family said:

"Val was a much loved daughter, sister, mum and nan, who will be sorely missed by the whole family.

"Val was a free spirit who enjoyed her life and was a talented artist, about to embark on a new path involving ceramics.

"She was an eternal student, who was always hungry for a new challenge.

"She had recently moved back to Sussex from Scotland to be closer to her family and we were lucky enough to spend a family Christmas together.

"This has been a complete shock to the family and we appeal to anyone who has any information, no matter how trivial, to contact Sussex Police."

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