A man was found murdered in his flat in Brighton early this morning.
The victim, in his fifties, is believed to have been battered to death in Gloucester Street in the North Laine area.
Sussex Police said that officers were called just after 2.10am today when the victim was found by his friends.
The force said that the man had head injuries.
A spokesman said that no arrests had been made but the Major Crime Branch was investigating the murder.
Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles said: “We are treating his death as murder but the inquiry is in its very early stages and we are not in a position to release any more information at this time.
“However, we are keen to hear from anyone who was in or around Gloucester Street in the North Laine area of the city centre in the early hours of this morning and who saw anything suspicious.”
Witnesses are urged to contact Sussex Police on 0845 6070999 or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.