Two charged with murder of homeless man in Hove

Two men have been charged with the murder of a rough sleeper on Hove seafront.

Michael John Clark, 52, unemployed, of Trafalgar Street, Brighton, and Edward Phillips, 44, unemployed, with links to Brighton, have both been charged with the murder of Lea Williams.

The pair were charged today (Saturday 13 April), Sussex Police said.

They are due to appear at Brighton Magistrates’ Court on Monday 15 April.

A 35-year-old Worthing woman, who was arrested yesterday (Friday 12 April) on suspicion of conspiracy to murder, has been bailed until 28 May pending further enquiries.

The body of Mr Williams was found by local project workers in an archway, also known as the “bat caves”, by the pitch and putt course in Kingsway, Hove, on Monday 11 February.

Post-mortem tests indicated that he died from severe injuries to his face and head caused by a heavy object.

Other injuries to his body included multiple fractures to his ribs.