Beach searched in Bexhill murder inquiry

Detectives investigating the murder of a 57-year-old man at his Sussex home have been searching the town's beach.

The body of Peter Bick was found at his home in Dorset Road South, Bexhill. He died from severe head trauma.

Christopher Hunnisett, 27, of Hastings, who was previously cleared of murdering the Reverend Ronald Glazebrook, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

His acquittal came at the end of a retrial, after he had spent eight years in jail.

Det Ch Insp Nick Sloan said: "It is now clear to us that Peter died following several blows to the head in what was clearly a violent attack in his own home."

He said it was thought the attack happened early on Tuesday and police were looking for a weapon.

He said a search was under way at the flat in Dorset Road South and had been extended to the town's beach where it was understood property had been discarded.

Officers are looking for a black Nokia mobile phone, a Sim card, memory cards, a black woolly hat with a grey badge, and black ski gloves.

Police arrested Mr Hunnisett on Wednesday after he attended Hastings police station.

On Thursday morning, detectives were granted an extra 36 hours to continue questioning Mr Hunnisett.

Mr Bick worked at Asda in St Leonards and was last seen finishing work at 1600 GMT on Monday. He had been due to be on a rest day on Tuesday.

Detectives want to speak to anyone who saw Mr Bick before he died, or anyone who has found the items that police have been looking for on the beach.

In a statement issued through Sussex Police, Mr Bick's parents, Bernard and Eileen, said the family was devastated.

"He was a loving son and we saw him regularly," they said.

"He had recently moved to Bexhill and had quickly settled into life there. He was very friendly and was well liked by the many people who met him.

"It is a difficult time for us, and Peter's sister Yvonne, and we ask to be left to grieve in peace".