Andrea Waddell

A woman found murdered at her home in Upper Lewes Road, Brighton on Thursday night was strangled, a post mortem has revealed.

A statement released by her family last night revealed Andrea Joanne Waddell was born Alexander John and began hormone treatment while studying philosophy at Durham University, ending the three year course as Andrea Joanna. She later underwent gender reassignement surgery while studying for a master's degree in social and political thought at Sussex University

At a press conference yesterday afternoon (Saturday 17) at Brighton Police Station, Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, the senior investigating officer, described Andrea as a “sociable girl”, who led a very private life, did not drink, smoke or take drugs and was very close to her family.

CI Hibbert said: “Through our enquiries we believe she was a sex worker in the Brighton and Hove area. She was discreet about her work but we believe she sometimes took clients back to her address.”

He appealed to other sex workers to come forward to help police with their enquiries.

He said: “We will continue to follow up every lead we can but clearly we need the public’s help.”

He added: “We are aware that this is a ‘sensitive area’ but I can assure you that people who come forward from any community will be treated with the utmost sensitivity.”

“We appeal for anyone in the area who saw anything suspicious or anyone hanging around to come forward.

“Also if there is anyone with any information out there about Andrea. Did you know her or did she tell you something?”

It is thought Andrea was last seen alive some time on Thursday 15.

Forensic officers are expected to remain at the scene of the murder for the next few days to conduct an extensive and through examination of the flat and establish how the fire was set.

DCI Hibbert continued:
“We have a number of officers now working around the clock carrying out numerous lines of enquiry. We are trying to talk to as many people as possible who knew Andrea personally or through her work.”

“Our priority is to find the person who murdered Andrea.

“We will do everything we can to achieve it, but we do need the help of the public."

Andrea moved to Brighton five years ago and completed a masters degree in social and political thought at the University of Sussex.

Andrea identified as a lesbian and kept her trans status very private. She had friends in the LGBT community and knew people in the trans and lesbian communities.

In a statement her parents Sonia and Robin and her brother Nick said:
“Our darling, beloved Andrea.

“We want the world to know how much we love her and how proud of her we are and always will be.

“She endured so much pain and suffering in her life - she still had constant pain - and was brave, resilient and loving.

“Our lives will never be the same again but we will never stop loving her, being proud of her and being grateful for having her with us for 29 years.”

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the area or who has any information about Andrea is urged to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999, quoting serial 1925 of October 16, Operation Merewood.