A 37-YEAR-OLD man arrested on suspicion of the murder of a man who was found dead in his flat has been released.

Police investigating the death of Stephen Frith, 58, at his home in Tarring Road, Worthing, launched an appeal to trace Saul Nightingale last week.

Detectives tracked down and arrested Mr Nightingale in Worthing town centre on Saturday afternoon, less than a day after the appeal was launched.

Mr Frith’s body was found at his home on the evening of Friday, October 27, after a neighbour reportedly found the front door to the property open and found him dead inside.

Police were initially treating it as an unexplained death.

However, early developments led the force to launch a murder inquiry.

The body was discovered at around 5.30pm and officers and a forensic team were called in to investigate.

Tarring Road was cordoned off by police by 10.30pm.

Officers were still investigating the property days after the discovery, with forensic tents and police tape still in place last Tuesday.

In a joint statement, Mr Frith’s family said: “We are devastated at the loss of Stephen and the manner of his passing.

“For a man small in stature but big in heart, always helpful to others, this was a totally unnecessary death.

“We hope that someone with information will come forward to help the police in their enquiries.”

Neighbours also paid tribute to the “lovely and friendly” man known to them as Steve.

They told The Argus last week of their shock at finding out officers had launched a murder probe.

Mr Nightingale was taken into custody following his arrest but later released under investigation while enquiries continue.

Detective Chief Inspector Emma Heater, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “Stephen was well known in the Worthing area. He was a brother and a son and I am appealing for anyone with information about his death to come forward.”

Anyone with information can call police on 101.