Police hoping for new clues to Hove seafront murder (From The Argus)

Police hoping for new clues to Hove seafront murder

1:50pm Monday 18th February 2013 in News By Kimberly Middleton, Acting chief reporter

Police will today (February 18) return to the site where a homeless man was found murdered to appeal for information, a week after the victim’s body was found.

Lea Williams, 45, was discovered in an archway near Hove pitch and putt, a “cave” he had called home for months.

Police have not yet tracked down his killer and hope a public appeal a week on might generate fresh clues.

A tent surrounding the area where Mr Williams lived with other homeless people was removed on Friday, revealing the empty arches.

Officers from Sussex Police’s major crime unit have taken away sweet wrappers, drink cans, sleeping bags, cardboard and clothing in the hope of gathering forensic evidence.

A picture taken during the heavy snows of January shows Mr Williams snuggled in a sleeping bag, obscuring his face with a can of drink.

Photographer Tony Kybett, who captured the moment, said: “I had the pleasure of meeting Lea at the arches.

“What a lovely man. I only wish I could have got to know him more.”

Back to the warm

Kate Lovett knew Mr Williams when he lived in a bedsit in Willow Gardens, Hurstpierpoint, about 20 years ago.

She said: “I was really shocked to hear what had happened.

“It ended so sadly for him so close to the next stage of his life, close to getting back into a flat and into the warm.”

Mr Williams was living in a static caravan in Goddards Green until his landlady was taken into care, when he started sleeping rough.

But he told The Argus in November that he had battled his problems with alcohol to save up enough money to move into a flat, which he was hoping to do in March.

Call 101 quoting Operation Depot or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 if you have information.

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