A man arrested in connection with the murder of a 64-year-old man in Brighton has been released.

The 34-year-old was freed on police bail last night to return to Brighton police station on December 15.

Meanwhile, scientists were today conducting a fingertip search of the Brighton flat where the victim was beaten to death.

Two members of the Forensic Science Service were looking for clues to the killer, or killers, of a "gentle and harmless" former waiter.

Known to his friends as Billy, his battered body was discovered in his top-floor flat in Lower Rock Gardens, Kemp Town, on Tuesday morning.

Members of the 40-strong inquiry team were contacting forces around mainland Britain and in Northern Ireland to trace relatives of the victim.

They cannot release his name until his family has been told and the body has been formally identified.

Police were guarding the scene today and officers were examining nearby public toilets and a telephone kiosk.

The victim was gay and police have not ruled out the possibility of a homophobic attack.

He was also a drinker and would invite other drinkers back to his rented Regency flat.

Tests were continuing today to establish the cause of the man's death, although a post-mortem examination showed he had been beaten severely round the head. One police source said: "He had injuries all over his body."

Police appealed for witnesses who may have seen the victim after 2pm on Sunday or saw anything suspicious in or around his home to come forward.

They said the killer's clothes may well have been bloodstained. Anyone with information should contact the incident room at Brighton police station on 01273 665626.