A 37-YEAR-OLD man is being sought as part of a murder investigation after a man was found dead in his flat.

Police investigating the death of Stephen Frith, 58, at his home in Tarring Road, Worthing, are seeking the whereabouts of local man Saul Nightingale.

He is known to frequent the Tarring area and Worthing town centre and detectives are keen to speak to him.

Mr Frith’s body was discovered at his flat on the evening of Friday, October 27, and police were initially treating it as an “unexplained death”.

However, developments have led the force to launch a murder inquiry.

The body was discovered at around 5.30pm and officers and a forensic team were called in.

Tarring Road was cordoned off by 10.30pm.

Officers were investigating at the property days after the discovery of the body, with forensic tents and police tape still in place on Tuesday.

In a joint statement, Mr Frith’s family said: “We are devastated at the loss of Stephen and the manner of his passing.

“For a man small in stature but big in heart, always helpful to others, this was a totally unnecessary death.

“We hope that someone with information will come forward to help the police in their enquiries.”

Neighbours also paid tribute to the “lovely and friendly” man known to them as Steve.

They expressed their shock at finding out that officers had launched a murder probe.

Anyone who sees Mr Nightingale or knows where he might be is asked to call police immediately on 999, quoting Operation Clyde and serial number 348 of 03/11.

Officers urge people not to approach him but to contact police straight away.