An estate agent died on holiday in Ibiza after slipping and banging his head.

Chris Stepney, 39, from East Preston, near Worthing, died in a neurological hospital after injuring his head during a week-long vacation with four friends.

Mr Stepney, who married his wife Rachaela last September, was initially treated at a medical centre, where he was given four stitches to a head wound and sent back to his apartment.

Friends say they voiced concern about his "delirious" condition and warned doctors Mr Stepney had suffered a serious head injury about eight years ago.

Kenny Rye, 36, of Park Road, Worthing, said medical staff only seemed to be concerned about a payment of 415 (£278) to cover the cost of his care.

Mr Stepney's condition deteriorated overnight. A doctor was called and he was taken back to the medical centre in an ambulance which was suddenly diverted to a general hospital.

From there he was transferred to a specialist neurological hospital, where a scan revealed massive bleeding in his brain.

Mr Rye said Mr Stepney underwent eight or nine hours of surgery before suffering a stroke and a heart attack.

His wife and relatives flew to his bedside but he died the day after they arrived.

Mr Rye believes Mr Stepney did not receive appropriate medical care in the first 24 hours after he banged his head on a metal toilet roll holder.

He had earlier complained of feeling unwell while sitting by the pool.

Mr Rye, who believes Mr Stepney should have been kept under close supervision, said: "All they were interested in was getting money out of British tourists.

"I have never been through anything so devastating. Chris loved life and lived it to the full. We had a great time together.

"He had a lovely wife and was at the top of his game. Everything was going well for him.

"This has ripped so many people apart. I loved Chris like my own brother. It has been the darkest time of my life."

A Spanish medical centre is similar to a GP surgery in England, although staff will treat minor injuries which in this country would be referred to a casualty department.

At Worthing Hospital, patients with head injuries are assessed under strict guidelines, with various symptoms carefully checked before a decision is made on whether specialist care is required.

Mr Stepney, branch manager of Fox and Sons estate agents in Goring Road, Worthing, was a keep-fit enthusiast who trained at Reps gym in Portland Road, Worthing.

His funeral will take place at St Mary The Virgin Church, East Preston, followed by a private family service at Worthing Crematorium.

Mr Stepney's sister-in-law Vanessa, 30, said: "He adored his wife Rachaela and his nieces Paige and Emily.

"He was a fantastic uncle and brother to Shaun. As a family we were so close."

The British Consulate in Ibiza declined to comment and referred questions to the Foreign Office in London.

A spokesman at the Foreign Office said: "We are aware of the case and have been in touch with the family.

"Generally speaking, it would be a matter for the family to take things up with the Spanish authorities.

"We have no powers of jurisdiction but we shall observe and help where we can."

As Mr Stepney was judged to have died of natural causes, no inquest will be held.