A Portslade man suffered serious head injuries when he fell 40ft from scaffolding outside a house in Hove.
The 25-year-old man fell from the scaffolding in Goldstone Street, Hove, at about 3am on Saturday (7 July).
Sussex Police said that the man was believed to have climbed the scaffolding to try to reach a friend’s house.
He was taken to Hurstwood Park Neurosciences Centre in Haywards Heath where his condition was described as critical but stable.
Detective Sergeant Chris Sherwell said: “We believe this was a tragic accident and are not investigating it as a crime.
“We do not believe the injured man was trying to break into the house.
“It is thought he was alone at the time and trying to access the rear of the house to get to a nearby friend’s house.
“We would like to remind people of the dangers of climbing scaffolding or on to roofs and high places.”
Sussex Police said that any witnesses should call 101.