TRIBUTES have been paid to a man who has tragically died following a hit-and-run.

A member of public found the victim, David Gunson from Hailsham, with serious injuries on a verge on the A22 in Hailsham at about 4.38am on Friday, September 21.

Air ambulance took the 73-year-old to Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton where he sadly died on Wednesday, September 26.

His family issued the following tribute: "David Gunson was a proud Sheffield man at heart. He attended King Edward’s Grammar School where he enjoyed swimming and cross-country running.

"He worked as a Sales Rep for Walls Ice Cream for some years before attending the University of Sheffield where he studied Law. It was at University that his love for sailing blossomed – a passion that he took delight in all his life.

“David was a practicing solicitor for a number of firms in Sussex and Lincolnshire for many years, making many friends along the way. After retiring, David worked briefly for the Co-op Funeral Service.

“Having always been fond of the South Downs and the Sea, David was happy to move to Hailsham to be closer to his three children Natalie, Jeremy and William, and his new-born grandson, Rupert.

“David’s death was a great tragedy and he will be sorely missed. We would like to thank all of the staff at the Royal Sussex ICU for their wonderful care and attention. We’d also like to thank his friends in Hailsham for their help and support.

“We are urging anyone who may be able to piece together his final journey on the tragic night to get in touch with the police.”

Following enquiries, police located a white Renault – believed to have been involved in the collision – in Hellingly, which was seized for forensics.

A 28-year-old man and a 25-year-old woman from Hellingly, were arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, failing to stop after a road traffic collision and failing to report a road traffic collision.

They have been released under investigation pending further enquiries.

The incident occurred just north of the Eagles roundabout on the northbound carriageway, which was closed until about 2.50pm while emergency services attended the scene.

Sussex Police would like to speak to anyone who was driving in the area late on Thursday, September 20, or in the early hours of Friday, September 21.

Those who have a dash cam footage or saw Mr Gunson in the area prior to the collision are encouraged to come forward.

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