A hospital worker could have been murdered by a man he knew, police said last night.

Michael Polding’s body, who moved from Croydon nine months ago was found in his flat in St Georges Road, Kemp Town, Brighton, a week ago.

Although Mr Polding was gay, police said last night they did not believe that his murder was a hate crime.

A 28-year-old man from London was yesterday arrested on suspicion of murder and was last night being questioned.

A post-mortem carried out on Saturday revealed Mr Polding, 63, had suffered injuries to his body.

These were not immediately identifiable because Mr Polding’s body was badly decomposed.

Officers believe he had been dead for about two months.

Mr Polding’s family paid tribute to him yesterday.

They said: “Michael grew up with us in Scotland but found his younger years difficult due to his sexuality.

“In the 1970s he decided to move to London where he felt it would be easier to live as an openly gay man.

“He worked for 15 years in the urology department of a hospital. He enjoyed working with people and helping them while they were receiving treatment.

“Michael was a kind and caring man. He kept in close contact and we will miss him greatly.”

Detective Chief Inspector Nick May said: “We are continuing to put together a picture of the circumstances surrounding Mr Polding’s death and how he sustained his injuries.

“We are trying to build up a picture of his lifestyle in the city and would like to hear from anyone who knew him or knew of any friends or acquaintances he spent time with.

“We know he moved to Brighton because he liked Kemp Town and we are hoping that the residents and visitors to this area can now help us to find out more about his life.

“Our investigation so far has led us to believe that his death is not linked to any hate crime as a result of his sexuality and that any assault he may have suffered was not as a result of a random attack.”

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting Operation Journal or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.