Detectives investigating the death of a St Leonards businessman today began excavating a landfill site in the hunt for the weapon used to kill him.

Police believe a six-inch knife may have been taken to Pebsham landfill site, Bexhill, after being dumped in supermarket bins.

They are focusing their search on an area three metres deep, about the size of half a football pitch, in the effort to unearth vital clues about the murder of grandfather Michael Willard, known as Mick.

Mr Willard, 63, died from knife wounds after an attack outside his scaffolding company offices in Caves Road, St Leonards, on January 10.

His funeral service will take place on Monday at St Ethelburga's Church, in St Saviour's Road, St Leonards.

Two men have been charged with Mr Willard's murder.

Police obtained a warrant to search the landfill site.