TWO men have been arrested following the sudden death of a 44-year-old man, six weeks after he was assaulted.

Anthony Barrigan died unexpectedly on August 1, and detectives are investigating whether his death is linked to the earlier assault in Brighton.

Officers were called to a delivery bay in Windsor Street at around 10.30pm on June 18 following reports of an assault on Anthony and a woman he was with.

Anthony suffered serious injuries and was taken to hospital. He was later discharged and moved to Birmingham to continue his recovery, but died six weeks later.

Enquiries are now ongoing to determine whether the injuries Anthony suffered contributed to his death.

Two men, 30 and 50, were arrested after the assault on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm and released under investigation. 

They have now been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remain in custody.

Senior investigating officer DCI Simon Dunn said: “Our thoughts are with Anthony’s family and friends at this difficult time.

"His death was sudden and unexpected, and we are working hard to establish whether it came as a result of the injuries he suffered in the assault six weeks earlier.

“Members of the public can expect to see an increased police presence in the area of Windsor Street while we carry out further enquiries.

"If you have any concerns, questions or information that may assist our investigation, please speak to an officer or get in touch by calling 101.”

Officers would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the assault and in particular, two people who are thought to have been speaking with Anthony and the female victim moments before the assault took place and reported their concerns to Sussex Police.

Anyone with information, or who may have captured any relevant mobile phone, CCTV or doorbell footage from the vicinity, is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Eastern.

Alternatively, information can be passed to police anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.