Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a man discovered unconscious in an alleyway in Crawley died in hospital this afternoon.

Officers were called at 3.25am today after the 45-year-old Portuguese man was found unconscious in an alleyway off Haslett Avenue East.

The man was initially treated by paramedics at the scene, between Stephenson Way and Haslett Avenue East, before being taken to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.

He died this afternoon.

Detective Chief Inspector Jason Taylor, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: "We believe the man was assaulted some time between 10.30pm yesterday and 3.25am today but sadly he died this afternoon.

"We need to speak to anyone who was in the area around Stephenson Way or Haslett Avenue East near Three Bridges football club between those times.

"They may have seen or heard something that is important to our investigation but not realise it. Please contact us if you know anything at all about what happened."

Two men aged 33 and 48 and a woman aged 22, all from Crawley, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently being questioned.

Anyone with information should call 101 quoting Op Atlas, email 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.