A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a spiritual medium was found stabbed to death in his home.

Derek Marney, 65, is believed to have been murdered over the Bank Holiday weekend at his flat in Vernon Terrace, Brighton.

Mr Marney was a practising spiritualist across Sussex and was widely known across the country for his work as a clairvoyant, medium and healer.

A 49-year-old local man was arrested on Monday afternoon on suspicion of Mr Marney’s murder.

He is currently in custody for interview and further enquiries.

Police visited Mr Marney’s address on Monday afternoon after a member of the public reported concern for the man living there. On entering the property officers found his body.

Yesterday scenes of crime officers were seen leaving the address holding a blood-stained kitchen knife. Forensic teams remained at the property last night and also searched a flat in Tyson Place, Kemptown, in relation to Mr Marney’s death.

Mr Marney practised as a medium at the likes of Brotherhood Gate Spiritualist Church in St James Street, Brighton, The Lantern of Light Healing Centre in Burgess Hill and Worthing Spiritualist Church in Grafton Road.

Malcom Putland, of The Lantern of Light, said Mr Marney often tried to help and support people in Brighton who were suffering with drink and drug problems.

He said: “I’m shaken by the news. I knew Derek over about 20 years. In my early days as a medium he used to give me advice.

“He had a lot of connections locally with the churches and used to serve all over the country.

“I don’t know who could have harmed him or why, but he tries to help certain people and usually helps those who are in great difficulty. Often that actually means that sometimes you put your own safety in the forefront to help someone.

“He was often supporting people who were trying to rehabilitate after drugs or drink.

“He’d take it upon himself to give them support and encouragement privately – it wasn’t a public thing.”

Exact details of Mr Marney’s death will not be available until his post-mortem, which is expected to take place tomorrow.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rymarz of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team said: “We believe that deceased and the person in custody were known to each other.

“Enquiries are at an early stage but we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this death at this time.”

Anyone with any information about this incident is asked to contact police via 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call 101, quoting Operation Rowhill.