An independent advisory group has been set up to help the new Sussex Police team investigating the murder of Jay Abatan.

The group aims to ensure the inquiry is as "open, transparent and effective" as possible.

The appointment follows a highly critical report on the way Sussex Police conducted its first inquiry into the crime.

The Essex Police report listed a catalogue of failings, including missed opportunities to find witnesses and the loss of potential evidence.

Mr Abatan, 42, from Eastbourne, was assaulted outside the Ocean Rooms club in Morley Street, Brighton, early on January 24, 1999, following a dispute about a taxi. He received blows to the head and died a week later.

Sussex Police are offering a £175,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.

The advisory group has been welcomed by Detective Superintendent Ken Probert, heading the new inquiry.

Metropolitan and South Wales police forces have used similar groups and it is now accepted as "best practice" in major investigations.

The group's chairman, Anne Dunn, said: "I'm pleased to see Sussex Police following positive examples from other forces by involving members of the community in this way.

"Our role is to monitor and observe the new inquiry and give independent advice on its progress. We have no formal decision-making powers or responsibility for the end result but we can make recommendations to the police.

"We can also keep the community informed without breaching confidentiality or endangering any possible future proceedings."

Also on the group are Beverley Thompson, member of the Steering Group on implementing the recommendations of the Stephen Lawrence inquiry reports; Daniel Ibekwe, chairman of the Brighton and Hove Racial Harassment Forum; and Aubrey Milstein, chairman of the Brighton and Hove Jewish Representative Council.