A murder inquiry has been launched after the body of a homeless man was found dead in the street.

Terry Hannaby, 34, suffered serious multiple injuries during what detectives are describing as a "sustained attack".

Police said yesterday that the investigation into the suspicious death was now being treated as a murder.

Mr Hannaby's bloodied body was discovered opposite the Moshi Moshi sushi bar in Bartholomew Square at 5.40am on Monday.

Police have arrested four homeless people in connection with the attack.

Detectives are questioning three men, aged 40, 37, and 34 and a 32-year-old woman in connection with the attack.

Mr Hannaby is believed to be from Basingstoke and is thought to still have family in that area.

Members of the homeless community have told The Argus he was an alcoholic who was well-known on the streets.

Elise Langham, 17, of no fixed address, said: "He was a really nice guy. Whenever he had money he would share it out. He knew I was in foster care and ran away and that I was just 17.

"He used to call me his little honeypie. I can't believe he died.

"We were just talking about him the day before yesterday, saying we should do something for him.

"He was an alcoholic and he used to beg for money but he would never have hurt anyone."

An initial post mortem examination suggested Mr Hannaby had been murdered and a more extensive examination will be carried out later this week.

Jennifer Sutton, 22, a Big Issue seller, who also knew Mr Hannaby, said: "People always used to take money off him.

"He always helped people out when he had money but they used to take the Mickey.

"He was an alcoholic, I used to see him around a lot.

"He was a nice guy and I feel really bad about what has happened."

The death shocked people who arrived for work in shops and offices around Brighton Town Hall to find the square cordoned off on Monday.

Some council workers were sent home as police carried out investigations in the area.

Anyone with further information should contact the police on 0875 60 70 999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.