The 55-year-old British man who collapsed 100 metres away from the finish line during Sunday’s Malta marathon died of natural causes, the police confirmed.

Mike Freeman, from Essex, was given medical help on site but was pronounced dead at Mater Dei hospital.

He had reportedly been suffering from chest pains two weeks before the marathon but was given the all-clear by a doctor.

Mr Freeman joked with his wife Nicola about taking part in the event again next year, just moments before his death.

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