Police said today that the murder of boxer Jimmy Millen in a drive-by shooting had been planned but it was too early to say why.

Father-of-three Mr Millen was shot from a passing motorcycle yesterday in a Sussex housing estate as he worked on a car.

Mr Millen, who was in his 20s, lived in Taylors Close, Hastings, and was working in nearby Tile Barn Road.

He is thought to have staggered several metres around the corner into Carpenters Drive, where he lay bleeding until an ambulance arrived.

He died later at the town's Conquest Hospital.

Police said witnesses saw the passenger on a black motorbike fire several shots at Mr Millen.

Detective Chief Inspector John Levett said: "The bike approached him and as it got alongside him he was shot. We are not sure how many shots were fired.

"The bike then drove off in the direction of Castleham industrial estate."

Police said the driver and passenger were both wearing black motorcycle leathers and helmets with blacked-out visors.

Mr Levett added: "There was some degree of planning but it is too early to say why yet. Finding a motive is the key.

"Jimmy Millen was well known in the area and we had several dealings with him."

Mr Millen, who came from Liverpool, was a super-middleweight boxer who made his debut as a professional at Hove Town Hall in 1998.

His three children are aged between eight and 11.

He was said to be a regular at JRs night club in Hastings and he was well known in the Hollington area.

It is believed that Mr Millen may have known fellow Liverpudlian James Ashley, who also lived in Hastings and was shot by police in his house in 1998.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Hastings police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.