Language school managers, ethnic minority leaders, police, local politicians and student representatives attended a meeting at the Town Hall this morning (Thurs) following the death of Mohammed Al-Majed.

Speaking at a press conference afterwards, Hastings MP Michael Foster spoke of his shame about the racist attack that led to Mohammed's death.

"There are some people in Hastings who are racist. I think they are a small minority but there is a significant number of people who misunderstand the contribution those from other lands bring to our community.

"We are united in the belief that they are wrong."

He added: "I feel ashamed this has happened. What we do know is that there were racist overtones. This is exceptional as Hastings is essentially a safe town."

Hastings Borough Council leader Peter Pragnell described the meeting of community leaders as "fruitful" and said the council was targeting racism under a Community Cohesion Action Plan already underway.

"We cannot control the way people think but we can re-educate by suggesting ways people can get involved in the community," he said.

"We have a small ethnic population in Hastings but it covers nearly 100 different nationalities and in the main we live together in harmony. This tragic death should not detract from that entirely."

He added: "Even though this is a very tragic death, Hastings is a safe and welcoming place for residents and visitors, whether they are tourists, holidaymakers or foreign language students."

Det Chief Insp Mark Ling said Sussex Police was treating the case as "a top priority" and the investigation was currently focusing on identifying eye witnesses.

"We have no evidence to suggest that he was stamped on or kicked in a frenzied attack. He received a head injury that was consistent that he hit his head," he said.

He told the press conference that Mohammed was initially kept inside a police vehicle while officers dealt with the fracas, before transferring him to an ambulance.

DCI Ling said he understood the ambulance had arrived at the scene "in a matter of minutes".

Witnesses are asked to contact police on 0845 6070999 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

- A memorial event for Mohammed will be held in Priory Meadow shopping centre on Monday at 11am.

Everyone is invited to attend and take part in two minutes' silence.