THE young man murdered on the seafront was a talented young footballer, it has been revealed.

Suel Delgado, 20, was struck by a car on Brighton seafront early on Sunday morning.

He sustained critical injuries, and died yesterday at the Royal Sussex County Hospital.

There had been some confusion as police said he had died on Monday night but he remained on a life support machine.

Friends and family had a chance to say their last goodbyes before the machine was switched off yesterday.

Two other young men who were injured in the incident remain in a serious condition.

Police launched a murder investigation and a suspect remained in custody on suspicion of the offence as The Argus went to print.

Suel previously attended the Thomas Bennett Community College in Crawley, and played football for teams in Sussex, most recently for Loxwood.

His family said: “Suel was a beloved son, brother and friend. He always took care of his family and he will be sadly missed.”

Friends have posted tributes on Facebook and expressed their shock.

Jorge Perreira Pinto posted: “I still can’t believe it, because my God, I saw you grow, I saw you pass from boy to man, you were like a son.

“You still had a lot of life ahead, so much to live, I’m speechless, today heaven has gained another star.

“Look for us, I wish I said goodbye but it was impossible, rest in peace.... see you Suel Delgado.”

Zac Towning wrote: “Rest easy brother. Gone too soon but never forgotten.”

Meanwhile a friend on Twitter commented: “Can’t process what’s actually happened. Much love brother. All my love and support goes to your family. Rest in Paradise Suel.”

His football manager at Loxwood Alex Walsh said: “Today was the hardest day as a football manager. To have to write on the group chat that one of your players has passed away is not right.

“We have fond memories of you bro, in pre season you was there. Eating pizza after sessions, you was there. Supporting the team if you were selected or not, you was there.

“I know you can’t come down but we all know you’ll be there. We will miss you Suel. Our thoughts are with your family and friends.”

Meanwhile the club said: “We will miss everything about you: Your cheeky smile, energy and jokes. Such a lovely lad to have around the club.”

Alfold FC posted: “Saddened to learn that one of the ex reserve players from last year passed away yesterday at such a young age in such tragic circumstances.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Rest In Peace Suel Delgado.”

Police launched Operation Danebridge to investigate the incident, which happened shortly after 5am.

A BMW X6 was later found abandoned in Middle Street, as police closed Marine Parade.

Two other young men, aged 18 and aged 22, remain in a serious condition in hospital.

Police say a 33-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Monday. Meanwhile a 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and was released under investigation.

Yesterday The Argus reported how witnesses staying at the seafront Amsterdam Hotel were horrified by the scene.

One guest said: “It was just some lads having a row at first but when the car hit it all just changed, it was quiet. One man who saw it was screaming, it had all become more serious. I have never seen anything like that.”

Another guest said: “Fights like that do happen, but I did not expect it to end that way. The guy who was not hit was devastated, you could hear it in the sound of his voice.

“It was desperation. It was horrific.”

Detective Chief Inspector Chris Friday said: “Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim who has sadly died and with those of the other two victims who are in serious condition in hospital.

“This is now a murder investigation and we are again appealing for anyone who may have seen the incident or has any information about it to come forward.

“We are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have mobile phone footage, dashcam footage or anyone with private CCTV footage of the incident.”

Anyone with information should call 101 or report online to Sussex Police, quoting Operation Danebridge.