Detectives investigating the killing of a man in Elm Grove, Brighton, this afternoon said they were still looking for the man responsible – and that the murderer would have known his victim.
Within hours of the 51-year-old man dying after he was stabbed in the hallway of his home yesterday morning, Brighton police had two men in custody.
But both have now been released, leaving the culprit on the run – and the murder weapon has not yet been recovered either.
Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles of Sussex Police Major Crime Branch said: “We are beginning to piece together the events which led to the death of this man. He was stabbed at least six times in the chest and side of his body.
“We still urgently need to trace the murder weapon. I believe that a knife has been used to commit this murder. Should anyone find a blood stained knife, please call us. It is vital that we trace this weapon.
“We have spoken to a number of witnesses who are helping to put together exactly what happened and why. But I would urge anyone who saw a confrontation on the doorstep of 67 Elm Grove, yesterday to come forward and help us find the killer. It is quite likely that the confrontation was visible to passers by who may not have realised its seriousness. The house is a third of the way up Elm Grove on the left hand side.
“From all the circumstances I believe this was a targeted and not a random attack, and that the victim would have known his killer.”
A postmortem is taking place at Brighton Mortuary this afternoon.
Specialist police search officers are searching the area for a weapon and drains will also be checked.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police quoting Operation Odessa, or anonymously the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The dead man’s identity has not yet been released.
