A murder investigation has been launched after a man's body was discovered in a town centre park.

Police received an emergency call at 10.47pm yesterday.

Officers found the body in St Anne's Park, Eastbourne, close to the railway station.

Officers returned to the scene today to continue their investigations.

A wooded area was cordoned off in the centre of the park and a large white tent was erected where the body was discovered.

About a dozen officers guarded several entrances to the park.

Chief Inspector Peter Mills, who recently took over command of the Eastbourne force, said: "At 10.47pm last night, as a result of information received, police attended a park in Eastbourne, near St Anne's Road at its junction with The Avenue.

"By a park bench police found the body of a man, in his late 50s, with head injuries.

"After further inquiries, a man in his late 30s, a local man, was arrested and he is currently at Eastbourne police station where he will be questioned further in relation to last night's incident."

Police refused to confirm whether the man who made the emergency call was the same man arrested or if the victim was local.

A post mortem examination was expected to be carried out to reveal the cause of the man's death.

House-to-house inquiries began this morning around the largely residential area.

Mr Mills said: "We are appealing for witnesses and if anybody saw an altercation between two men during the evening of last night I would like them to contact me."

The murder inquiry, called Operation Dash, is being led by Detective Chief Inspector Graham Pratt, from the major crime squad.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Eastbourne CID on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers free and in confidence on 0800 555111.