A MURDER victim was stabbed more than 20 times by his attacker.

The extent of David Bond's injuries were revealed yesterday as the results of a post mortem confirming multiple stab wounds.

The 50-year-old's body was discovered by police officers on Tuesday inside the front door of his Osmonde Close property in Broadwater, Worthing.

A friend raised the alarm when he was not seen for several days and it is believed he was killed on Saturday afternoon.

The developments come as officers arrested his lodger Alan Knight, 51, on suspicion of murder and the victim's family paid tribute to him as a “gentle giant”.

His mother Anne Manley-Rollings said: "He was always happy, cheerful and he enjoyed life."

His step-father Sonny added: "He was kind as well and he liked to help others."

On Thursday police issued an appeal for Mr Knight to come forward. He was spotted on CCTV in Bath on Tuesday and Wednesday. His best friend Carl Knight, who is not related, phoned The Argus on Thursday night to appeal for him to get in touch.

He was arrested in Lancashire in the early hours of Friday morning after walking into a police station in Fleetwood just a few minutes after midnight and telling officers he was wanted by Sussex Police. It is understood he had been staying at a hotel in the area.

Yesterday he was in hospital receiving treatment for what police said are thought to be self-inflicted injuries.

He is under police guard and he will be returned to Sussex for questioning when he is released, a spokesman said yesterday. His injuries will require treatment which could delay his return to the county by a few days, police told The Argus last night.

Police are still looking for his Ford Focus-style red van which has the registration number HT02 HMA. Officers were yesterday searching roads in Mitcham, Surrey, after Mr Knight told them that was where it had been left.

Anyone with information should call 101 or email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk quoting Operation Waterhouse.

The Argus is taking tributes in honour of Mr Bond.

Call 01273 021376 or email flora.thompson@theargus.co.uk if you wish to leave a message in his memory.