Murder squad detectives were questioning three men today after a man's blood-stained body was found at a flat.

Police were called to the Downland Court council block in Stonery Road, Mile Oak, Portslade, shortly before 6am.

They found a middle-aged man with serious injuries and covered in blood.

Paramedics found a faint pulse and tried to save the man but he died at the scene.

Three men were taken to Brighton police station for questioning. Officers said the death was being treated as suspicious.

Detective Chief Inspector Reg Hooke is leading the investigation, code-named Operation Thistle.

Inspector Ian Byford, of Hove police, said officers were trying to confirm the man's identity.

Nan Bartlett, a Downland Court tenant, told how she had heard doors banging in the flat above her during the night.

Mrs Bartlett, 80, said: "I heard a lot of banging of doors early this morning but it did not sound like there was a fight or an argument going on.

"They went out at about 4.45am and came back about an hour later, and the police turned up soon afterwards."

She said tenants at Downland Court had complained to the council and the police about drunken behaviour.

Mrs Bartlet said: "There were a lot of problems with men urinating in the hallway and being unpleasant to other residents.

"I understand someone was stabbed just before Christmas and ended up on the doorstep of someone in Stonery Road."

Sergeant Steve Barry, of Hove police, said: "Three men have been arrested on suspicion of murder and were taken to Brighton, where they were being interviewed today."

Sgt Barry said the response to house-to-house inquiries in the Downland Court area had so far been "disappointing".

He appealed to anyone with information to call the incident room on 0845 6070999.