A 31-year-old man has been gunned down and killed in a Hove street.

Two others were shot at during the attack in Church Road at around 11:30pm last night.

Police are treating the shooting as a murder and two attempted murders.

Church Road remains closed this morning while forensics officers examine the scene.

The victim, who was from Kent, was fatally shot by a man with a handgun as both of them were walking near the junction with Selborne Road.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Pollard, from the Surrey & Sussex Major Crime Team, is leading the investigation.

He said: "The victim was in the street when he was shot in the body at about 11.30pm on Saturday. He was treated at the scene before being taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital where he sadly died in the early hours.

"Two other men, who were with the victim, were also shot at by the man as they walking in the street. We are therefore treating this as a murder and two attempted murders.

"Officers and staff from the Neighbourhood Policing Team are in the local area to assist the investigation and to speak to residents who may be concerned or worried.

"I recognise that the murder will be of considerable concern to the people of Brighton & Hove but I can assure them that this is an isolated incident. I have committed a number of resources to this investigation in an effort to find those responsible and bring them to justice.

"A number of witnesses are helping us with our enquiries and I would urge anyone, with information, who has not come forward to contact police on 101 quoting serial 1687 18/5 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

"The scene is being forensically examined and unfortunately that means that Church Road will continue to be closed between First Avenue and Selborne Road for a large part of today.

"We have spoken to the bus company to inform them that diversions are in place and I would like to thank everyone for their support and patience."

Superintendent Simon Nelson described it as a “horrific event” but said he was confident there was a “low risk to the community”.

He said there was "nothing whatsoever" revealed in police inquiries so far indicated that the incident was gang related and said it was a dispute between the four men.

Mr Nelson said there was “nothing to suggest” that the other men were armed.
 

Did you know the victim? Or did you see what happened? Call the newsdesk on 01273544512.