Tributes have been paid to a man found dead in a quiet residential street.

The 51-year-old’s body was found on the floor in Gladonian Road, Littlehampton, at around 6am on Sunday.

Neighbours have described the man, who lived in the town, as the “nicest person” who was “known by everybody”.

A 16-year-old boy also from Littlehampton was arrested on suspicion of murder.

Sussex Police said they believe no weapon was involved in the incident.

The Argus: The police cordon in place this morningThe police cordon in place this morning (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Dorothy Osman who has lived in the road for 22 years said: “It is awful all of this. The police have not really said what happened.

“Everyone knows him, all the people in Bognor. Everyone spoke highly of him.

“It is a very quiet street. One of my neighbours’ dogs was barking and making a commotion during the night.”

One shop owner from a nearby business said: “He was the nicest person, he had friendly eyes.”

Another young man said: “He was a lovely guy, he did not deserve to die.”

A man who lives in the road said: “A police officer said it is pretty bad. I did not hear any commotion. There was a lot activity here yesterday. It is normally a very quiet road, we do not see police cars down here often. How awful.”

On an extremely foggy day in the town, the cordon was lifted and the tent removed at around 11.15am this morning.

The Argus: Sussex Police does not believe a weapon was involved in the incidentSussex Police does not believe a weapon was involved in the incident (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Detective Superintendent Andy Wolstenholme, senior investigating officer at Sussex Police, said: “We understand this is a shocking incident for a close-knit community in Littlehampton; my condolences are with the family and friends of the victim, and anyone affected by this death.

“We are working hard to establish the facts surrounding the tragic events of Sunday night, and need the assistance of the public to do so, especially by calling in if you were in Gladonian Road between midnight and 6am, either on foot or in a vehicle.

“It would also support the investigation if any social media posts did not speculate about what happened. If you have information, please call in to the police and we will take that information from you.”