Hove detectives revisit seafront murder scene

Detectives are handing out leaflets on Hove seafront at the scene of a murder last Monday (11 February) asking passers-by for help catching the killer or killers.

They were at the pitch and putt this evening (Monday 18 February) where the body of rough sleeper Lea Williams, 45, was found a week ago.

Mr Williams was found by workers from the Antifreeze project, which helps rough sleepers in Brighton and Hove.

Sussex Police said that his body was found in an archway known as the “back caves” at about 8.30pm.

Post-mortem tests found that he died from severe injuries to his face and head caused by a heavy object. He also had several broken ribs and other injuries to his body.

Lea Williams

Detective Inspector Wendy Burton, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “It’s one week since Lea’s body was discovered with appalling injuries in an archway overlooking the pitch and putt in Hove.

“Detectives and local neighbourhood officers have been working round the clock to find his killer(s).

“I cannot stress enough how important it is for anyone who knew Lea or knows why someone would want to inflict such horrendous injuries on him to please get in touch.

“His killer(s) must be caught and brought to justice.

“Between 6pm and 8pm this evening uniformed officers will be handing out flyers to passers-by who may have been in the area leading up to the discovery of Lea’s body, heard or saw suspicious activity but thought it not relevant at the time.

“The flyers feature two images of Lea, a description and an appeal for information.

“I would like to thank those members of the street community and local residents who knew Lea and have already contacted us.

“However, I believe there are others who have not yet come forward and may hold vital information and clues as to why Lea was savagely attacked and killed.”

Lea Williams was 5ft 9in tall, of slim build, with short brown hair, a brown beard and a distinctive barbed wire tattoo across his collar bone. He quite often wore glasses with thick lenses.