A MAN who died after being hit by a lorry following a fight was kind-hearted and happy, his devastated family has said. 

Georgi Yaschuk, 23, was killed by a 20-ton lorry in Western Road, Brighton, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Three men have now been arrested on suspicion of murder, with detectives looking into whether Georgi was pushed into the path of the lorry. 

This afternoon his family issued a statement saying: "Georgi was a clever and kind-hearted cheeky chappie.

"He was always happy and enjoyed playing basketball on the beach in the summer.

"We are all shocked and saddened by the tragic news and ask as a family that we are left alone to grieve in peace."

Friends have also been paying tribute to Georgi, of Cambridge Road, Hove.  

One friend described him as "always having a smile and a giggle at every party."

Rachael Wells said: "Massively shocked and saddened. I don't know about an angel, but heaven has definitely gained a comedian! Rest in peace George x."

Emergency services were called to Western Road near the junction of Temple Street at 2.40am on Saturday.

Georgi was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two men, aged 27 and 24 from Hove, who were arrested on suspicion of murder on Sunday (April 10) have been released on bail until June 2.

A 28-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested on suspicion of murder today (April 11). He is in custody.

The Tesco lorry driver has not been arrested and is being treated as a witness. 

Detective Chief Inspector Tanya Jones, from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: "We are trying to build up a picture of the events which led to this man's death.

"We are still appealing for witnesses, particularly anyone who saw what happened before the fight."

Anyone with information should contact police by emailing 101@sussex.pnn.police.uk or ring 101 quoting Operation Longthorpe.