"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", said MP Michael Foster.

"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."
"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 he hoped all those who had any evidence would offer their support to police in carrying out this investigation, but in the meantime he wanted to assure both overseas visitors to the town and ethnic groups in the local community that he is determined to build on the good race-relations that exist and to expose those extremists involved in racist politics.
"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," he added.
"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."

- Conservative parliamentary spokesman for Hastings and Rye, Amber Rudd, said the attack did not reflect the "warm and welcoming" feeling of Hastings.
She added: "My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Mohammed's family and friends.
"We now need Hastings police to do their job and help put away the men who committed this barbaric crime.
"It is a terrible, one-off, isolated incident. We should remember that before allowing commentators to condemn the town."
- Hastings Borough Council's Lib Dem group leader, Cllr Richard Stevens blamed Government legislation on licensing for an increase in binge-drinking and violence in the town centre, after details of the incident emerged.
He said: "Our condolences go to the family and friend of the victim.
This tragedy, however, must act as a wake up call to all those who promoted the proliferation of so many extended hours licensed premises within a concentrated town centre area."
"Lib Dems have long called for a review of all licensed premises of the Robertson Street, Havelock Road and Cambridge Road area.
"We must have a meaningful saturation policy and recognise that mass relaxation of the liquor licensing laws has led to more late-night anti-social and violent behaviour.
"The language school industry forms an important part of our local economy and an incident such as this causes untold damage to our reputation internationally.
"We call on the Government to rethink their legislation which has encouraged a binge-drinking culture and made our town centre a scary place to visit in the evenings.

- Local Labour leader Jeremy Birch called on the community to unite against racism.
"Foreign students and visitors have part of the life of Hastings for decades," he said. We must all make clear that they continue to be welcome in our town and that we will not tolerate abuse or attacks on them. For our local economy their continued visits are vital.
"As a community we must stand together against racism and intolerance – we have now seen their tragic effect. We should say to any individual or organisation that peddles racist ideas you are not welcome in a decent community like ours.
"But also we need to build on the good work that has been done in trying to bring foreign students and local youngsters together, to understand each other's backgrounds and cultures and to enjoy each other's company. All of us need to broaden our understanding and acceptance of those who choose to visit or to settle in our town. The prosperity and harmony of Hastings is dependent on it."