TRIBUTES have been paid to a “hero” grandfather who died after a street fight disrupted work he was doing on his new family business.

Frank Milligan was helping relatives to finalise preparation for the launch of their new cafe in Burgess Hill when they were disturbed by a tussle involving four people who the police said they had never met.

During the altercation in Church Road on Friday evening a 35-year-old woman was assaulted and the brawl spilled into the street where a car had to stop.

Shortly afterwards the 64-year-old, who is from Burgess Hill, was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital having suffered a suspected heart attack, where he sadly died on Sunday.

Frank’s daughter Heidi, 39, told The Argus: “He was my hero. He was never sad, always happy and would always do anything for anyone.”

A tribute by Frank’s son Scott on Facebook called him “a loving husband, amazing dad, playful grandad, a loyal father in law who will live in the hearts of all those who know him”

A mainstay of Burgess Hill residents’ associations and local politics, Frank was highly respected in the town.

Town Councillor Pru Moore said: “Frank was a man who said it as it was. He was absolutely straightforward, and straight down the line, he was a great community guy. I personally will miss him enormously.”

Frank had been helping to prepare Upmarket 22, being described as a cafe and marketplace when the altercation took place at 11.20pm on Friday night.

He leaves behind his wife Sue, son Scott, daughters Heidi and Natalie and two grandchildren.

Two 19-year-old men from Haywards Heath, both arrested in connection with the brawl on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent, have been bailed until July 15.

Detective Inspector Sarah Barrett said: "We are appealing to anyone who was in the Church Road area who might have seen what happened.”

“Two people have been arrested at this time and we are trying to identify two other men who were also involved."

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting Operation Abraham."