Detectives have been searching for evidence in a town centre after a man was stabbed to death.

Police are working to gather evidence after the body of a man in his 20s was found in a busy high street on Thursday night.

Pictures show the specialist officers, wearing white overalls, making a record of items left on the ground inside the cordon at the Vicarage Field shopping precinct in Hailsham.

Detectives in Hailsham this morningDetectives in Hailsham this morning (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Detectives looking between weeds in HailshamDetectives looking between weeds in Hailsham (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder after an extensive manhunt in the town following the stabbing, which happened at around 6.20pm. He remains in police custody.

Chief Inspector James Scott said: “This is a tragic incident which I know will be distressing for the community.

“Our thoughts are with the family of this young man as we seek to understand exactly what happened."

A police officer stands guard outside the churchyardA police officer stands guard outside the churchyard (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

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Several locations across the town, near Eastbourne, were sealed off by police including a churchyard and the high street.

Officers told the public to stay away from the town centre while the manhunt was under way. The teenage suspect was later found inside a nearby property, police said.

Green hoardings were installed to block the view of the sceneGreen hoardings were installed to block the view of the scene (Image: Sussex News and Pictures)

Chief Inspector Scott added: “The significant police presence will remain in the area, as part of the investigation and to offer reassurance.

"If you have any concerns, please do speak to an officer. We are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could help to contact police online or via 101, quoting Operation Par.”