Murder inquiry: police seek information on lost computer and sightings of car

Detectives are also keen to hear from anyone who might have seen Mr Bick’s car being driven around the area on Tuesday, hours after he died.

The car is a red Ford Fiesta, registration number RJ04 FLN.

DCI Nick Sloan, who is leading this Major Crime Branch investigation, said: “We believe that after Peter was attacked in his flat in Dorset Road South on Tuesday morning, items were moved and some have gone missing.

“In particular I would like to trace Peter’s laptop computer. It’s a black, 15.6 inch widescreen Toshiba Satellite laptop, model C650-166. Maybe you have been offered one on the cheap or know someone who has recently acquired one. It may provide valuable information we need in this inquiry.

“In addition we believe that Peter’s car had been driven during the day on Tuesday, hours after he had died. We believe that it was in Bexhill at noon then Hastings during the afternoon and in early evening being driven on the A21 through Hurst Green and north near Paddock Wood in Kent.

“It is possible that the person who was driving Peter’s car may have stopped and discarded property on the way, perhaps in a layby or wooded area. Do you remember seeing the car that day or anyone acting suspiciously near it? If you have seen any of the missing property, I urge you to contact detectives on 0845 60 70 999 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Specialist teams returned to Bexhill beach at midday today (Friday) to continue the search for Mr Bick’s mobile phone, as well as other items including a phone SIM card, memory cards, a black woolly hat with grey badge and black ski gloves. The first search, yesterday, had been hampered by the tide.

• Mr Bick’s body was found at his home after 27-year-old Christopher Hunnisett, of St Leonards-on-Sea, handed himself in at Hastings Police Station on Tuesday night. Christopher Hunnisett is in custody and still being questioned by police.