Brighton murder victim’s body found after two months

The body of a Brighton man has been found in his flat two months after detectives believe he was murdered.

Post-mortem tests on 63-year-old Michael Polding found a number of unexplained injuries which may have cost him his life.

Sussex Police said that Mr Polding had not been seen since May. His body was found at his home in St George’s Road, Kemp Town, at about 10pm last Monday (16 July).

Detectives were unable to piece together the circumstances of his death so arranged a post-mortem examination.

After the examination was carried out yesterday (Saturday 21 July) detectives from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team started a murder investigation.

Detective Inspector Jon Fanner, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “When Mr Polding’s body was found it was not clear as to what had caused his death.

“Following the post-mortem it now appears that he suffered a number of injuries which have caused us concern and we have launched this homicide investigation.

“We are currently working to establish the circumstances surrounding Mr Polding’s death, including when he may have died and how he sustained the injuries.

“We would like to hear from anyone who may have spoken to Mr Polding since 14 May.

“This is an incredibly difficult time for his family and our thoughts are with them as we carry out this investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Sussex Police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.