Murder hunt after blood is found dripping through ceiling

The death of a man whose body was found after a worker spotted blood dripping from the ceiling of his offices is being treating as murder, police said today.

The corpse, believed to be that of a 27-year-old man, was discovered shortly before 1pm yesterday in a flat above a firm of architects in Sutton Park Road, Seaford, East Sussex.

Police closed a neighbouring Indian restaurant, the Moon of India, which they believe the dead man to have been linked to.

A post-mortem examination is yet to be held and formal identification has not yet taken place.

The death is being investigated by officers from Sussex Police's major crime branch who were overseeing forensic examination of the scene today.

Paul Warwick, of Plans Architectural Design Shop, where the blood was found, said: "There was a tiny amount of blood, about a spoonful, which had come down into the corner of our ceiling.

"I walked past it a few times and didn't really notice it, but then someone else saw it and said, 'What's that?'.

"They went and tried to get an answer but couldn't, so the police were called. We've had quite a few police cars, CID officers and people in forensic suits around."

House to house enquiries were continuing to be made today and CCTV in the area is being examined.

Detective Chief Inspector Adam Hibbert, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a tragic incident, which we are now treating as murder.

"I appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious in that area from 11pm on Sunday until we found the body at lunchtime the next day to come forward.

"We are keen to hear from anyone who feels they can help the investigation.

"The forensic examination of the scene will take some time, as we seek to preserve as much evidence as possible. At this time I cannot say how the man died, but every effort is being made in conducting a thorough investigation."

Chief Inspector Natalie Carron, district commander for Lewes, added: "Neighbourhood officers are working closely with the investigating team to help gather information.

"If any member of the community has information then they need to let us know. Officers are conducting extra patrols in the area at this time and I will keep the community updated as the investigation progresses."

Anyone with information should contact Sussex Police on 0845 60 70 999 quoting Operation Scotsford, or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Speaking at a press conference at Sussex House in Brighton, Mr Hibbert said the body was found lying on the floor on a landing of the flat in a "significant amount of blood".

"Which leads me to think that somebody left the premises with bloodstaining on them," he added.

Inquiries have so far led police to believe the man was murdered some time after 11pm on Sunday.

He said detectives were still trying to work out exactly how many people lived in the flat and who had legitimate access to the premises.

Officers have spoken to around four people linked to the family-run restaurant but its owners are thought to be in Bangladesh.

Mr Hibbert said no weapons were found at the flat but a thorough search had not yet been carried out.

Opened in 1978, the Moon of India was the first Indian restaurant to be based in the Seaford area, according to its website.

Since 1990, the family-run business has been operated by a Mr MA Hayder, or "Mr Ali" as he is known by customers.

Various family members have been actively involved in running the business, in particular Mr Hayder's younger brother, Murshed Ali, who is head chef, the website says.

Local Liberal Democrat MP Norman Baker was among dignitaries who attended the restaurant's 30th anniversary celebration in August 2008.