Sussex Police have failed in their bid to extradite a father and son wanted in connection with the killing of a man from Sussex.

But a senior Sussex detective said the force had not given up and "all legal avenues" would be explored to bring the pair back to Britain.

Portuguese authorities rejected Britain's application because they consider charges the pair face as minor.

Edward Adamson, 57, formerly of Hangleton Valley Drive, Hove, and his 29-year-old son Grant, formerly of Greenbank Avenue, Saltdean, face charges of perverting the course of justice and disposing of evidence in connection with the death of Robert Kavanagh, 31.

He was killed by a stab wound through the heart on June 24 last year.

His body was cut up into pieces which were later found at Bexhill and Upper Dicker, Hailsham.

Mr Kavanagh's girlfriend Julie Adamson, 18, from Hove, was put on probation for three years at Lewes Crown Court in April.

She denied murder but admitted manslaughter, claiming she was a victim of his violence and bullying.

Detective Superintendent Dave Gaylor, heading the inquiry, said the force was still determined to put the father and son before a British court and would continue to seek information about their whereabouts.

He added: "There remains a £2,000 reward by the force for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for dismembering the body of Robert Kavanagh."

Speaking through a solicitor last month, the father and son said they feared they would not receive a fair trial in Britain.