Police in Blackpool have named the 60-year-old man found dead in a flat in Devonshire Road yesterday.

The body of Darren Presley was discovered by police at about 12.30am.

He was originally from the Midlands, but had lived in the Blackpool area for a number of years, police said.

Family liaison officers are currently with his relatives and detectives are keen to hear from anyone in the resort who knew him.

A post mortem has revealed Mr Presley died as a result of head injuries.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Toole, who is leading the investigation, said: "Mr Presley has been the victim of a sustained and brutal attack and I would urge anyone that has any information about this crime to contact me at the incident room at Blackpool Police Station.

"His family are aware of what has happened and are naturally devastated by the news."

Three people, two men aged 36 and 37 and a woman aged 19, were arrested in the Layton area of the resort on suspicion of murder and are currently in custody at Blackpool Police Station.

Supt Kevin Toole, who is leading the investigation, has appeal for anyone with information about Mr Presley's death to get in touch.

He said: "I would appeal for anyone who was near the junction of Church Street and Devonshire Road late Wednesday evening or in the early hours of yesterday and who had concerns about anything they may have seen or heard to get in touch with us."

Anyone with information is asked to call Blackpool Police on 01253 293933.