Murdered man 'was my soulmate'

The man who died after he was attacked during an argument with a group of youths has been described by his devastated partner as "a best friend and a soulmate".

Chris Poole, 46, died on Friday from serious head injuries after never regaining consciousness following the incident in Eastbourne, East Sussex, on Thursday evening.

Sussex Police said Mr Poole, from Iden Street in Eastbourne, was punched and kicked following the row with the group outside the Premier convenience store in the Hydneye area of the town.

He was taken to the Eastbourne District General Hospital but doctors were unable to save his life.

His partner Penny said in a statement released by police: "I'm devastated by the loss of a best friend and my soulmate, also the great father figure to all our children. You'll always be in my heart and I love you forever."

Mr Poole's mother, Diane, said: "Chris was a great and loving son, brother to devastated Rick, lover of wild birds and animals and a friend to anyone.

"Chris attended Ratton School with Rick and was an excellent gymnast and always kept himself fit.

"Such a waste of a lovely young man who gave such a lot to so many and who was loved so dearly by us all."

A 15-year-old local boy and a 19-year-old local man arrested on suspicion of murder remain in police custody on Saturday, Sussex Police said. A 13-year-old boy, who was also arrested on suspicion of murder, has been released on conditional police bail until September 3, pending further inquiries.

Police continue to appeal for witnesses.