An inquiry has been launched after a message claiming to be from convicted killer Sion Jenkins was posted on the Friends Reunited web site.

Jenkins is serving life for bludgeoning 13-year-old Billie-Jo Jenkins to death at the family home in Lower Park Road, Hastings, in 1997.

The hugely popular Friends Reunited site puts old school friends and workmates back in touch.

The entry was spotted on a page for all-boys' William Parker School in Parkstone Road, Hastings, where Jenkins was head teacher designate when charged with the murder.

The message, which features the nickname Killer, reads: "Anyone remember me? I am not so busy recently.

"I am not living in Hastings anymore. I am living at her majesty's pleasure. Having a tough time but God is helping me through it."

Jenkins, a former Tory borough council hopeful, was found guilty of murdering Billie-Jo with a metal tent spike after she messed up painting the patio doors.

Officials who run Friends Reunited yesterday removed the posting within hours of being alerted by The Argus.

An investigation is now under way to trace who sent the message, posted on June 22.

Spokesman David Fisher said: "We do get hoaxes and distasteful messages from time to time but we tend to be tipped off very quickly."