A woodland search for the remains of a man believed to have been murdered has ended without yielding any clues.

Officers spent four days conducting a fingertip search of dense woodland in the hope of finding clues to the suspected death of Jason Martin-Smith.

Murder squad detectives have been tipped off that Mr Martin-Smith, 28, formerly of Camberley, Surrey, was shot dead in Hastings last summer.

However no body has been found and few clues have surfaced about his disappearance, which police are linking with the drive-by shooting of Jimmy Millen, 27, in Hastings last October.

Five German shepherd dogs from the Metropolitan Police human remains recovery team were used during the search of Kelk Wood, close to Claverham Community College, in Battle.

Scenes of crime officers, forensic archaeologists and Battle police officers were also involved in the search.

It was called off late yesterday.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Moore, leading the inquiry, said: "This is a very protracted and difficult investigation with, unfortunately, very few clues to go on."

Detectives have revealed that Mr Martin-Smith and Mr Millen were acquaintances who were both known to police.

Police have put up a £25,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of former professional boxer Mr Millen's killers.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 0845 6070999 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.