The man accused of a road rage attack which cost a driver his life could be charged with killing him within weeks.

A post-mortem into the death of popular greengrocer Tony Magdi was due to take place yesterday.

Mr Magdi, 52, who lived and worked in Portland Road, Hove, was taken to Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre in Haywards Heath after being punched on November 7 after clashing with cyclists.

It was initially believed he would live. Last Saturday he was said to have smiled and squeezed a friend's hand.

However he contracted an infection and died at 11.30pm on Sunday.

Paul Lambeth, 35, of Stafford Road, Brighton, has been charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm in relation to the attack and has been bailed to appear at Lewes Crown Court to face the charge on December 23.

But officers are now preparing a report for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) after Mr Magdi's death.

Prosecutors will then decide whether Mr Lambeth should be charged with murder or, more likely, manslaughter.

Detective Inspector Lee Horner, leading the investigation, said officers were trying to determine whether the punch directly caused Mr Magdi's death.

He said: “There will be a report following the post-mortem and this forms evidence.

“We will then take the case to the CPS which will decide whether to charge.”

Tributes continue to come in for Mr Magdi.

Rhiannon Egerton said: “He was an integral part of what made the local community such a nice place to live.”

Vee Walton said: “He gave my son Andy a job when he needed some work experience in his school holidays and was the most generous and kind boss to him.”

Kate Mason said: “I asked him why he gave so much stuff away and he told me if you have more than you need you can afford to share.”

Rachel Masika said: “Walking past his shop on Portland Road doesn't feel the same. I keep hoping that as I pass by I will catch a glance of him and he will wave as he always did.”

A Brighton and Hove City Council spokesman said the local authority would support a permanent tribute for Mr Magdi, adding: “We think it's a great idea and as part of the council's services for residents we run special schemes where residents can plant trees to remember loved ones or for many other reasons.”