Detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of an 82-year-old man at a nursing home.

Sussex Police have been asked to launch the investigation following the death of Leslie Homewood who died at The Hollies Nursing Home in Stanford Avenue, Brighton.

The investigation follows recent criticism of the home by a coroner's inquest.

Brighton coroner Vernonica Hamilton-Deeley criticised the home for an "element of neglect" following the death of 88-year old resident Jean Davies earlier this year.

Although very thin when she arrived at the home, she lost more weight while she was there until she was 3st 7lb, an inquest was told.

Her best friend, Daphne Edwards, wrote to her friend's GP complaining about Miss Davies' treatment, describing how she would clutch her hand and weep, saying: "Oh God, you've got to get me out of here."

Miss Edwards also said she found her friend left in urine-soaked bed clothes on more than one occasion.

Recording a verdict of death by natural causes, Miss Hamilton-Deeley said: "There is an element of neglect in this case.

"I don't say neglect was only on the part of the carers because there was some self neglect.

"Having said that, neglect in the context of my court means a failure to provide adequate nourishment or liquid or to provide necessary medical attention."

The 54-bed home was criticised in a routine Nursing Inspection Report carried out by East Sussex, Brighton and Hove Health Authority in May.

Inspectors found there was no evidence staff had received training on the subject of the protection of vulnerable adults, that general maintenance standards were not up to standard and that on one occasion in September 1999, medication was not given to 23 patients.