A dispute between two warring families could have led to the shooting murder of a father-of-two from Strood, police revealed today.

Detectives believe scaffolder Xhem Krasniqi knew the gunman who killed him and also shot at his brother and nephew.

The 31-year-old, was gunned down in a street in Hove, East Sussex, on Saturday night. He was taken to hospital, but later died.

A post mortem carried out last night revealed Mr Krasniqi was shot once in the abdomen.

Detectives are continuing their search for those involved in his murder - and believe it came after a row between some members of two families escalated dramatically.

Albanian national Mr Krasniqi was in Brighton with his wife and two young children visiting family on Saturday before trouble broke out later that evening.

He and his brother and nephew were walking towards the offender in Church Road, Hove, when shots were fired at the three men at about 11.30pm.

The two men with Mr Krasniqi were uninjured, but police are treating their shootings as attempted murder.

DCI Jeff Riley, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said today: "Xhem's family are extremely distressed and we are offering them the support of our family liaison officers.

"I have assured them that we are doing all we can to trace his killer and ensure he is brought to justice.

"I would like to thank the local community for their support and patience whilst this investigation is ongoing. They have been helpful in telling us what they saw that night."

He added: "We have taken this information and are undertaking intelligence work in an effort to trace those we would very much like to talk to.

"We believe the men all knew each other and we are open-minded as to the motive.

"The initial indication is that there's a personal dispute between some members of two families and that this has escalated dramatically, leading to the Xhem's tragic death."

Neighbours of Mr Krasniqi, who had two young children and lived in an end-of-terrace house with his wife for around six years, yesterday spoke of their shock at learning of his death.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: "I heard what happened and was shocked. They have got two young children, including a girl who goes to school locally.

"I knew the family. They are a nice, quiet family."

Anyone who has yet to come forward with information is urged to phone police on 101, quoting Operation Welbeck, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.