A 64-YEAR-OLD man beaten to death in his home has been named as Irishman William John Carmichael.

The body of Mr Carmichael, known as Billy, was discovered in his top floor flat in Lower Rock Gardens, Kemp Town, last Tuesday.

Although Mr Carmichael, who was gay, was well known in Brighton, police have only just been able to trace his next of kin to Ireland and formally identify him.

Stafford Carmichael, one of his three half-brothers, runs a bar called Carmichael in Northern Ireland.

Billy also used to run a bar in Ireland but left in the 1970s and spent some time in London before moving to Brighton where he lived for about 20 years.

Police have also discovered the former waiter had connections with the theatre world and artists and many of his own artwork remains in his flat.

The Irishman has been described by friends and neighbours as a man who would not harm a fly, and as a drinker who would sometimes invite people back to his flat.

He was last seen by a friend at 2pm last Sunday and a post mortem revealed he had been beaten severely round the head.

More than 30 detectives and uniform officers are working on the murder inquiry and a homophobic attack has not been ruled out.

Police are still anxious to speak to anyone who saw Mr Carmichael after 2pm on the Sunday or has information on his death.

Call the incident room on 01273 665626.