A murder victim was kicked and punched to death, it was revealed today.

The 46-year-old suffered multiple injuries from the beating in Downland Court, Stonery Road, Mile Oak.

A Home Office pathologist conducted a post-mortem examination last night.

The victim, from Scotland, is not being named until relatives have been told.

Three men arrested in connection with the killing were still being questioned at Brighton police station today.

Police may apply to the courts today for permission to detain the suspects further for questioning.

Detective Superintendent Alan Ladley is heading a team of 25 officers investigating the killing.

He said: "We are carrying out house-to-house inquiries and we are trying to contact the man's relatives."

Police were called to the murder scene at 5.43am yesterday. Officers found the man slumped on the floor.

An incident room has been set up at Hove police station under the name Operation Thistle.

Anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious in the area should call the incident room on 0845 6070999.