Tests have ruled out a suspicious cause of death after a man died three weeks after a fracas in Brighton.
And two people sought by detectives as they conducted a manslaughter investigation have come forward and been cleared by police.
Sussex Police said: “A post-mortem examination carried out on Thursday (3 January) has excluded anything unlawful as the cause of a man’s death following a fracas outside a restaurant in Western Road, Brighton, on Sunday 2 December.
“On Saturday 17 December the 47-year-old fell seriously ill and was admitted to the Royal Sussex County Hospital, Brighton, where he sadly died on Boxing Day, 26 December.
“It prompted police to launch a manslaughter investigation but following the pathologist’s report and speaking to a man and a woman whose photographs were circulated as potentially having information, suspicious circumstances have now been ruled out.
“The man and woman voluntarily attended Brighton police station and after being questioned were allowed to go.
“The dead man’s family has been fully updated as inquiries have progressed and is being supported by Brighton coroner’s officers.”
Detective Chief Inspector Andy Wolstenholme said: “Sussex Police investigates 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.”
A 25-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of affray and released under investigation.
Commendable, no rush to conclusions – but the final sentence of the piece must lead readers to wonder what might follow?