DETECTIVES investigating a suspected murder are still seeking to identify the victim.

A man was killed in a stabbing at a ground floor flat in Stafford Road, Brighton, in the early hours of Wednesday.

He was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

But police are still working to identify who he is, and now believe he was a man in his 20s.

Two men in their 40s were arrested after escaping from the flat via a rear door, sparking a manhunt in gardens behind people’s homes in Stafford Road in Exeter Street.

Detective Chief Inspector Alex Geldart, from the major crime team, is leading the inquiry named Operation Barnfield.

The detective said the victim is a man in his 20s, 6ft 2ins and of very slim build.

Meanwhile two men in their 40s were arrested on suspicion of the killing.

Police confirmed that a warrant was granted to allow the men to be held and questioned for a further 36 hours in custody.

Meanwhile officers have been going door to door in a bid to identify the victim.

DCI Geldart said: “We are working with partner agencies in a bid to establish his identity and are undertaking house-to-house enquiries in the area to find out if he was known to neighbours as a resident or may have just been visiting the property.

“He is white, appears to be in his 20s, 6’ 2” and of very slim build. We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen him in the area or who recognises his description.”

Yesterday forensics experts remained at the scene to carry out tests.

A tent was set up and part of Stafford Road remained behind a police cordon.

Scene of crime investigators were seen going in and out of the ground floor flat, carrying out objects as evidence.

One resident in Stafford Road said: “They are still here and still searching. I don’t know how long it’s going to be.”

Meanwhile a dog walker in the area said: “It is unsettlingly quiet around here today.

“I heard about what happened. It isn’t as bad as London thankfully, but it leaves you wondering if things are going to go that way.”

One resident said: “This has been a shock because it is a quiet area. Police have been knocking on doors.

“I heard the helicopter at 2.30am and looked out of my window to see what was going on. They were knocking on everyone’s door.”

Yesterday neighbours described their shock at seeing one suspect crawling on the wall through their back garden before being arrested.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 101 and quote Operation Barnfield.