Attacked Hove driver dies in hospital Published duration 29 November 2010

image caption Police believe the driver may have caused a group of cyclists to swerve

A 52-year-old driver who suffered serious head injuries when he was attacked near his car has died in hospital, Sussex police have said.

Tony Magdi, from Hove, was assaulted on 7 November after opening his car door in Portland Road in the town as three cyclists passed.

Police said he died at the Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre in Haywards Heath on Sunday.

A 35-year-old man has been charged with causing grievous bodily harm.

'Huge loss'

Det Insp Lee Horner said: "Sadly Toni Magdi died in hospital last night. We will be conducting a post-mortem examination this week to establish the cause of death.

"I would like to thank the many members of the public who have assisted in this investigation and we offer our heartfelt sympathy to the friends and family of this exceptional local man whose death represents a huge loss to the local community."

Mr Magdi's close friends, George Jeha and Elizabeth Collis, spoke on behalf of his family and said he would be remembered and very much missed.

"As one customer put it so beautifully, he was a gentle addition of kindness, generosity and caring threading through our community.

"He loved being part of the neighbourhood.

"We also want to thank all the professionals who have helped us get through this difficult time, especially the medical team at the Hurstwood Park Neurological Centre, who did their utmost for Tony."