Blood has been found in the car and yacht of a vicar missing from his home for 11 days.
Police said their concerns for the safety of the Reverend Ronald Victor Glazebrook had increased after blood stains were found in the boot of his car, a Toyota Carina, parked outside his home.
They confirmed the 30-strong team of forensic experts had also discovered blood smears on his boat, the Soulis, which is moored at Newhaven Marina.
The samples have been sent for analysis to see if they match the blood of the missing vicar.
Mr Glazebrook, 81, was last seen walking his dog outside his home in Dane Road, St Leonards, on Friday, April 27, at 8.30pm.
The police hunt was launched after his daughter reported him missing three days later when he did not turn up at church on Sunday.
Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Moore, who is heading Operation Excalibur, said: "We have been treating the disappearance of Mr Glazebrook as suspicious and finding this blood heightens our concern for his safety."
Two 17-year-olds arrested in connection with the disappearance of the vicar have been released on police bail.
Mr Glazebrook, who is semi-retired, is described as 5ft 9in, stocky, with white, balding hair and a beard.
He wears glasses and has blue eyes.
Anyone with information should call the Operation Excalibur incident room on 0845 6070999.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article