He said: "Whether Mohammed Al-Majed's death was a tragic accident or something more malicious, the fact remains that a young man is dead and our hearts go out to his family and friends."

The MP was speaking following a press conference with Sussex Police on Tuesday morning when DCI Graham Pratt explained that on the current evidence it appeared that following a Post Mortem examination of Mohammed the injury he suffered, leading to his death, occurred when his head hit a paving stone as he was running away from the incident.

"I have no doubt that given the numbers that were present at the scene it will be possible to piece together the detailed facts of what happened" said the MP. "But it's important to say that Hastings is essentially a safe place for visitors. Violent crime, attacks and indeed incidents involving foreign students have plummeted in recent times, which makes the tragedy involving Mohammed so exceptional."

The MP went on to say that he hoped that all those who had any evidence at all would offer their support to the police in carrying out this investigation, but in the meantime he wanted to assure both overseas visitors to the town and ethnic groups who are now part of our local community that we are determined to build on the good race-relations that exist and to expose those extremists involved in racist politics for the bigots they are.

"It's important that both visitors to our town and ethnic groups who are now living here and part of our local community feel safe and secure.

That's why I've called for an early meeting which is to be held at the Town Hall on Thursday morning with all the relevant ethnic groups together with local politicians, the Council and the police to try and ensure that we can offer that security that is needed.

We cannot overlook the fact that foreign investment through the language schools and into the local college are significant contributors to our local economy. It's also the case that in recent times crime, particularly violent crime, has fallen dramatically, as have offences involving overseas students. This weekend's tragic incident, therefore, is out of character with the way that the town is developing."