A father died of a heart attack as he ate at a popular restaurant despite the best efforts of medics called to the scene. 

The tragedy took place at La Galleria in East Street, Shoreham, on Saturday around 7.20pm.

A witness to the incident said the man, who was 65 years old, was eating with a group who she believed were his family when he passed away.

A South East Coast Ambulance spokeswoman said: “We were called to the restaurant at 7.20pm to a man who suffered a cardiac arrest.

"We sent a responder and three ambulances to the scene. Efforts were made to revive the man, but these were unsuccessful.”