Police have launched a double murder inquiry after linking the suspected death of a man who vanished last year with the drive-by killing of former professional boxer Jimmy Millen.

Three men, one in his 50s and two in their 20s, were arrested yesterday following dawn swoops at separate addresses in the Hastings area.

They were being questioned last night at Hastings police station in connection with the suspected killing of Jason Martin-Smith.

Although no body has been found, detectives have received a tip-off that Mr Martin-Smith, 28, was shot dead in Hastings last August shortly after he vanished.

Police believe his suspected death may be linked to the killing of father-of-three Mr Millen, 27, who was shot four times in the back by a pillion rider on a motorbike as he worked on his car on October 24 last year in Tile Barn Road, Hastings.

Detectives have been stonewalled in their hunt to find Mr Millen's killers, with one senior officer saying a climate of fear in the Hollington area may be shielding those responsible.

But they said yesterday's arrests signalled a major step forward in the Millen murder inquiry, code-named Operation Darnel.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Moore, leading the investigation, said: "We believe this is a significant line of investigation regarding Jimmy's murder.

"We believe the disappearance of Jason Martin-Smith may well have connections with the Millen investigation and are linking these matters."

In a further development in the Millen inquiry, police have increased the reward for information leading to the conviction of his killers from £10,000 to £25,000.

Anyone with information should call Operation Darnel on 01424 456083 or Sussex Police on 0845 6070999.