The mother of a woman who died after being attacked in the street has paid tribute to her.

Emma Crowhurst, 36, of Albion Road, Eastbourne, was found on the pavement in Chawbrook Road, near her home address, just before midnight on Sunday, April 26, having sustained a head injury.

She died later in hospital.

Her mother, Marina Crowhurst said: "Emma was a lovely girl, loved by her family and friends who had a heart of gold.

"This is a massive, irreplaceable loss and we want the person responsible for this brought to justice.

"We have every faith in Sussex Police and fully support their investigation."

Detective Chief Inspector Mike Ashcroft, who is leading the investigation, said: "We have had a good response from members of the community who have contacted the investigation team already, but are hoping to hear from more people who could help.

"It is vitally important to establish Emma's movements before she was assaulted and I'm appealing to anyone that has any information, however small they may think it is, to get in contact with us.

"Several people have described an argument between a man and a woman just before midnight.

"This argument may have lead to Emma being found in the road with the, ultimately, fatal injuries.

"I am making a specific appeal to anyone who went to Emma's assistance before the police and ambulance teams arrived in Chawbrook Road.

"Anyone who was in the area of Chawbrook Road, Whitley Road, Dudley Road, Havelock Road who may have seen or heard an argument, please contact us.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting Operation Shortgate. Alternatively contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."