Mohammed Al-Majed, 16, from Qatar, died on Sunday as a result of injuries suffered when his head hit the ground during a fracas between local youths and students.

Mohammed was studying English with the EF language school which is based on the seafront near to the kebab shop where the incident occurred on Friday night.

Beverley Garth, EF Director of Operations, said: "We are extremely shocked and saddened by the news that one of our students from Qatar has tragically passed away following an attack upon him on Friday night.

"We are working closely together with the police and assisting them fully to support their investigations.

"Our deepest sympathies at this very difficult time remain with the student's family."

One lad who was studying with Mohammed said: "He was the oldest boy in the school and everybody knew him because he was in England for three months, not just in this school but also in Cambridge and Bournemouth.

"He was very popular. He had had a good education. Everbody liked him because he was a nice boy.

"His cousin was here with him and went to hospital with him on the night."

Another fellow student and friend also went to the Conquest Hospital immediately after the incident. He said Mohammed had no obvious injuries other than a cut to his head. He was conscious, but seemed delirious.

"I took a taxi to the hospital and stayed with him until the morning," said Meshal.

He believed Mohammed was walking away from the trouble when he was punched and fell, hitting his head.