The investigation

Operation Journal is the Sussex Police murder investigation into the death of Michael Polding who was found dead in his flat. The suspect, known by many different names, is currently wanted by Sussex Police on suspicion of Michael's murder.

Monday 16 July

7.01pm: Sussex Police receive an email from Michael Polding's sister in Scotland concerned that the family hadn't heard from him for around two months.

8.19pm: Police leave a message on Michael's mobile phone asking him to make contact.

9.57pm: Officers attend Michael's flat at 80 St George's Road, Brighton. The 63-year-old is found dead by officers in his flat. Michael had not been seen or heard from for around two months and post was piled up at his door. At this stage Michael's death is treated as unexplained and a post-mortem is arranged.

Saturday 21 July

A post-mortem was carried out on Michael's body and a number of injuries were found to his body which suggested that his death had not been natural. Detective Chief Inspector Nick May of Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team launched a murder investigation - known as Operation Journal.

Sunday 22 July

9:55pm: A 28-year-old man from London was arrested on suspicion of murder, however following extensive enquiries he was stood down from bail on 20 September. Detectives became aware of a second suspect, who was living with Michael. They only knew him as Ree. Officers worked to establish that Ree is known by various different names such as Ricardo Pisano, Ricky and Brandon Victor Pillay.

He is a South African national who escaped from an open prison in New Zealand after being imprisoned for extortion offences and then came to the UK.

Saturday 28 July

13:30pm: Ricky seen on CCTV in the Marlands shopping centre in Southampton. This is the last positive sighting of Ricky.

Wednesday 15 August

12:00pm: Briefing held with media to update them on the investigation and appeal for information about Ricky. Interviews with DCI Nick May, CCTV footage from the Marlans shopping centre and information and images about Ricky were issued.

Tuesday 25 September

A £5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of Ricky was issued.

Thursday 27 September

BBC Crimewatch featured Ricky on their wanted faces board.

Monday 10 December

Operation Journal website launched assist in managing information about the investigation long-term and act as a point of reference for people who may have information regarding Ricky and others who are interested in the investigation.

The future

Detectives working on Operation Journal will continue to seek justice for Michael and his family and friends. In 2013 the team plan to visit South Africa to gather more information about Ricky.