POLICE have dropped a manslaughter investigation after a man died in hospital just a fortnight after a fracas outside a dessert parlour.

Officers were called to investigate the man’s death after he fell ill on December 17 and died at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton on Boxing Day last year.

The 47-year-old had fell seriously ill, and police wanted to know if it had been linked to being hurt in the incident outside Creams in Western Road in December 2.

But now, following a post-mortem examination, they have ruled out suspicious circumstances.

There had been a public appeal to track down witnesses in the area, and police spoke to a man and a woman at the police station in John Street.

They attended voluntarily, and after being questioned they were allowed to go.

A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of affray and released under investigation after the incident on December 2.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Wolstenholme said the dead man’s family have been kept up to date with the inquiry as it has progressed. It will now be passed to the coroner.

He said: “We investigate unexplained deaths to ensure possible criminal causes are identified.

“Families are supported in understanding what happened to their loved ones, and officers assist the coroner in determining how people have come by their deaths.

“We are very grateful for the support we get from the public in seeking to achieve this, and I would like to thank all those who responded to media appeals for assistance.

“In particular I would commend the two individuals featured in the photographs for presenting themselves so quickly. Because of this, we’ve been able to deal with this matter more swiftly than we might otherwise have done.

“At this time, our sympathies are with the family of the man who died.”

Have you been affected by this story? Email the crime reporter: aidan.barlow@theargus.co.uk