A HOMELESS man has died and another has been charged with murder after a serious assault at Royal Pavilion Gardens in Brighton.

Andrew O’Connell, 54, was sleeping rough when he was attacked at about 11.55pm on Tuesday.

His family said in a statement today: “Andrew O’Connell was a family man who was loved by many.

"He was a kind, intelligent man with a free spirit who loved to travel.

"As a family we are utterly devastated, hurt and angry that he has been taken so cruelly from us.

"We ask that our privacy is respected at this time.”

Another homeless man, 32-year-old Sergio Lemori, was arrested in nearby Church Street shortly before 9pm on Wednesday.

He was remanded in custody and appeared before Brighton magistrates on today, charged with murder.

Lemori is due to appear at Lewes Crown Court on Tuesday.

Police are not seeking anyone else in connection with the incident at this stage.

Anyone with any information is asked to report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Dickenson.

Alternatively, you can visit the Crimestoppers website or contact the independent charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.