WITNESSES have described the “horrific” moment when a man was struck in a suspected hit and run that left two others injured.

Police have now launched a murder inquiry after being called to reports of a brawl between two groups of men in Marine Parade, Brighton, on Sunday.

Video footage shows the aftermath of the incident, where men are left in critical condition on the street.

Witnesses reported seeing blood and clothes left strewn over the road.

It happened outside The Amsterdam Hotel, where guests say they were woken up at 5am on Sunday.

Police arrested a 33-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder, he remains in custody.

A 32-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm was released under investigation.

One couple, who did not wish to be named, said they heard men shouting outside their room then saw the incident unfold from a balcony.

“It was just some lads having a row at first,” the man said, “but when the car hit it all just changed, it was quiet.

“One man who saw it was screaming, it had all become more serious.

“I have never seen anything like that.”

The woman said: “Fights like that do happen, but I did not expect it to end that way. The guy who was not hit was devastated, you could hear it in the sound of his voice.

“It was desperation. It was horrific.”

The police and ambulances arrived moments later, and treated three young men for their injuries.

An 20-year-old man was taken to hospital in a critical condition, and police say he has since died.

Meanwhile an 18-year-old man and a 22-year-old man are both in a serious condition.

Tom Bourlet, who lives near the scene in Marine Parade said: “I woke up pretty early but it was before then. There are clothes and shoes all over the road.

“There was a lot of blood on the street too.”

Charles Firth, general manager at the Amsterdam Hotel, said: “Our night porter heard it. But he was in the back of the building at the time so didn’t see what happened.

“When I came in early the road was already closed off.

“It must be very serious for them to have closed off the road like that for so long.”

Police say a BMW X6 was found abandoned nearby in Middle Street, and launched Operation Danebridge.

More than 50 officers were drafted in on Sunday, while forensics and scene of crime officers scoured the area for clues.

Marine Parade was closed to traffic on Sunday and yesterday, and is expected to stay closed until at least this afternoon.

The Argus:

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Friday said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim who has sadly died this evening and with those of the other two victims who are in serious condition in hospital.

"This is now a murder investigation and we are again appealing for anyone who may have seen the incident or has any information about it to come forward.

"We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have mobile phone footage, dashcam footage or anyone with private CCTV footage of the incident.

"Marine Parade is likely to remain closed between the pier roundabout and Camelford Street until Tuesday afternoon (3 December) while we are continuing searches and carrying out enquiries and I would like to thank the public for their patience."