This is 29-year-old Anthony Evans, whose death from a brain haemorrhage after a nightclub assault is being treated as murder.

Doctors and relatives of Mr Evans, of Bolsover Road, Hove, made the agonising decision to switch off his life-support machine in hospital last night.

He suffered a brain haemorrhage after being punched in The Escape Club in Marine Parade, Brighton, early on Sunday.

Mr Evans collapsed and hit his head on the ground but appeared to recover.

He collapsed again later in Hove and was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

Detective Inspector Bill Warner, of Brighton police, said: "This was tragic and our thoughts are with Mr Evans' family."

Police believe his attacker had no idea the single punch would ultimately prove fatal.

Few people saw the attack and even those near him in the club thought at first he had simply collapsed from the effects of drink.

Twenty detectives, headed by Detective Chief Inspector John Levett, were today working on Operation Griffin to find the killer.

Mr Evans, who was single but has children from a previous relationship, was punched shortly before the club's closing time at 2am on Sunday. So far there have been no arrests.

Mr Warner said: "It is vital we speak to everyone who was in the club around that time, especially those on the ground level, which is known as the Top Floor.

"We need to talk to everyone, if for no other reason than to eliminate them from our inquiry."

An incident room has been set up at the John Street police station in Brighton and police appealed for witnesses.

Simon Woplin, manager of the Escape, expressed his sympathy for the victim and his family.

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 01273 665893.