A murder investigation is underway in Leicestershire after a 66-year-old man died from injuries sustained in an assault outside a village pub.
Attack Outside The Crown Inn
David Darke was punched outside The Crown Inn on Church Street in Appleby Magna at approximately 21:45 on Sunday, 21 December. The attack caused a serious head injury.
Mr Darke was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham for treatment but sadly died in hospital on Saturday, 27 December – almost a week after the incident.
Suspect Re-Arrested as Investigation Intensifies
Leicestershire Police confirmed that a 36-year-old man, initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, has now been re-arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Kevin Hames, from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, stated that the investigation had already identified several witnesses and involved examining local CCTV footage.
"Those enquiries will continue and the suspect will be re-interviewed by detectives," Det Insp Hames said.
Appeal for Witnesses Continues
Police are continuing to urge anyone with information who has not yet come forward to make contact. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the Church Street area on the evening of Sunday, 21 December.
"It is an extremely difficult time for Mr Darke’s family and specialist officers are supporting them," Det Insp Hames added.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Leicestershire Police directly.
