A man charged with the murder of a Brighton chef was found hanged in his prison cell last night.

The body of Robert Vowles, 37, who lived in Grand Parade, Brighton, was discovered at Lewes Prison at 10.30pm.

Vowles was due to appear at Lewes Crown Court today charged with murdering James O'Hagan, 42, who worked as a chef at the Brighton Centre.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Dennis, who was leading the murder investigation, said: "This is a tragic event. Police are not looking for anyone else in connection to the murder of James O'Hagan. James's family have been robbed of justice."

A Prison Service spokesman said an internal investigation would be held over Vowles's death.

He added: "Any death in custody is upsetting for prison staff. It appears this man has taken his own life but clearly that will be for the coroner to decide."

Mr O'Hagan, who lived at the Abbey Hotel in Norfolk Terrace, was found with multiple stab wounds at an address in Grand Parade on April 17.

Police today abandoned a poster campaign showing a picture of Mr O'Hagan, which they had hoped would help trace his final movements on the night he died.

This is the second death of a major crime suspect at Lewes Jail this year and a Prison Service inquiry has been launched.

In January unemployed Rashid Kausmally, 48, was found hanged in the same hospital wing.

He was awaiting trial on charges of raping a hotel receptionist and he was suspected of a series of knife attacks in Brighton and Hove centre.

Mr O'Hagan's family today expressed regret at Vowles' death.

His mother Christine said: "We are sad another life has been lost. However, we are pleased that no one else will suffer at his hands and no other family will have to go through what we have had to."