A huge cache of guns, knives and other weapons was discovered at a flat where a man was found dead.

Police found 28 handguns, 73 knives, 83 batons, laser pens and live and blank ammunition at the home of Simon Griffith.

Neighbours of the 55-year-old bachelor called police because they had not seen him for a few days.

The body and weapons were discovered at his flat in Hughenden Road, Hastings.

Officers believe Mr Griffith, who was unemployed, was a collector of weapons. The find included two 44 Magnums, 15 revolvers and 14 automatics.

The cache filled nine large police exhibit bags, which were last night being stored at Hastings Police Station in Bohemia Road.

Tests were being carried out to determine whether any of the weapons had been used in crimes before police decide whether they should be destroyed.

Mr Griffith's neighbour Joan Hawes, 81, said: "He was known round these parts as something of an eccentric as he would often play loud music into the early hours.

"I understand he was quite a tearaway in his youth but it appears he had toned down his behaviour and become an ordinary citizen.

"I had no idea about his store of weapons."

Mr Griffith's death was not being treated as suspicious. Toxicological tests were being carried out on his body.

A police spokesman said: "It was known he had been taking medication so tests are being carried out to determine whether he committed suicide or whether it was natural causes."

"We don't think there was anything sinister in the discovery as a lot of the firearms were not usable."