Two men arrested in connection with the murder of East Sussex businessman Michael Willard have been released on police bail.

The duo were quizzed for an extended time about the 63-year-old scaffolding firm boss's death in Hastings.

Both were released last night pending further inquiries.

Mr Willard, of Harley Shute Road, St Leonards, was knifed in the yard of his scaffolding firm in Caves Road on Friday. He staggered into his office to dial 999 himself.

However, he died within an hour at the Conquest Hospital in Hastings, prompting a police murder inquiry codenamed Operation Granary.

Detectives today renewed their appeal for information, particularly anyone who saw anything suspicious between 4pm and 5pm.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 0845 6070999.