Blood dripping through a ceiling has led to the discovery of a body.

A police investigation is under way after drops of blood were seen seeping through an office ceiling at lunchtime today.

Workers initially dismissed the red liquid oozing through the ceiling as nothing to worry about before becoming concerned when they could not rouse the occupants of the flat above them.

The gruesome discovery of the blood-covered corpse was made by police after they forced their way into the home above Plans and Architectural Design Shop in Sutton Park Road, Seaford.

The flat was believed to have been owned by the Hayder family who run the neighbouring restaurant The Moon of India.

The body has yet to be identified and the cause of death is not known. A post-mortem is yet to be held.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, of Sussex Police's Major Crime Branch, who is leading the investigation, said: "In order to preserve as much evidence as possible, enquiries are being carried out on the basis that the death as suspicious.

"We are appealing to anyone who was in the area over the weekend who saw anything suspicious or has any information to come forward.

"The restaurant is closed while the investigation continues. We need to identify this man so we can ensure that next of kin are informed and provide them with the necessary support as the investigation progresses."

Chief Inspector Natalie Carron, district commander for Lewes, said: "This is a very unusual incident for Seaford and we are working closely with the investigating team to identify anything that may have happened out of unusual that may assist them with their enquiries.

"If any member of the community has information then they need to let us know. They will not be wasting our time.

"There are additional patrols around the area and we will keep the community updated as the investigation progresses."

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Scotsford or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.