A father was left dead in the street after he tried to break up a fight between two women outside a late-night shop.

Anthony Hall, 41, collapsed and died of a heart attack outside the Spar shop in King's Road, St Leonards.

He was walking home after spending the night drinking when he saw two women involved in a heated argument at about 1.20am yesterday.

Mr Hall, from St Leonards, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police sealed King's Road off for most of the day.

Detectives were initially treating the death as suspicious.

They arrested one woman, believed to be one of those involved in the bust-up, but she was released without charge.

Following a post-mortem examination late yesterday the inquiry, led by Detective Chief Inspector Steve Dennis, was scaled down.

Mr Dennis said CCTV footage had been viewed which clearly showed Mr Hall remonstrating with two women.

He added: "Mr Hall witnessed a fight between two women and tried to separate them. I am unable to say what injuries Mr Hall sustained if any.

"CCTV cameras were running and did record some of the events.

"What is important to us is that we ensure the people on the film come forward to speak to us to enable us to complete the evidence."

Footage from cameras overlooking the spot where Mr Hall died was today being examined for more clues.

King's Road, which has been plagued by drugs and violent crime, was sealed off up to Warrior Square station for most of yesterday.

Two bouquets were last night left by a lamp-post outside the Spar store where Mr Hall, known as Tony, died.

A handwritten note read: "Tony, I love you babe, I just wish I told you how much. I'm sorry. Our daughter will know her daddy loved her. Miss you."

Anyone with information is asked to call Hastings CID on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555111.