Brighton murder suspect held

A 28-year-old man is being brought to Brighton for questioning by detectives investigating the murder of a man in Kemp Town.

The Londoner was arrested in the capital last night (Sunday 22 July) on suspicion of the murder of Michael Polding, 63, at his home in St George’s Road.

Mr Polding had not been seen since the middle of May and his body was found a week ago.

Post-mortem tests were carried out on Saturday (21 July) and they indicated that Mr Polding had suffered several injuries before he died, Sussex Police said.

Detective Chief Inspector Nick May, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, is leading the investigation.

Michael Polding

He said: “We are continuing to put together a picture of the circumstances surrounding Mr Polding’s death and how he sustained his injuries.

“It is thought that he may have died sometime in May and we are still appealing for anyone who spoke to him in May this year to contact police.

“Mr Polding is an openly gay man who moved to Brighton only nine months ago from London.

“We are trying to build up a picture of his lifestyle in the city and would like to hear from anyone who knew him or knew of any friends or acquaintances he spent time with.

“We know that he moved to Brighton because he liked Kemp Town and we are hoping that the residents and visitors to this area can now help us to find out more about his life.

“Our investigation so far has led us to believe that his death is not linked to any hate crime as a result of his sexuality and that any assault he may have suffered was not as a result of a random attack.”

Mr Polding’s family paid tribute to their kind and caring relative. They said: “Michael grew up with us in Scotland but found his younger years difficult due to his sexuality.

“In the 1970s he decided to move to London where he felt it would be easier to live as an openly gay man.

“He spent many happy years in Croydon living with his partner Henry until he sadly died in 2001.

“He worked for 15 years in the urology department of a hospital. He enjoyed working with people and helping them while they were receiving treatment.

“Last year he decided to move to Brighton as he wanted to start a new life in the gay community in the city.

“Michael was a kind and caring man. Despite the distance between us he kept in close contact and we will miss him greatly.”

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