The household of a “devoted” grandad who died after being attacked outdoors a village pub have launched a tribute. David Darke, 66, suffered head accidents and died in hospital yesterday, six days after he was punched outdoors The Crown Public House in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire.
A 36-year-old man who was initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily hurt was later re-arrested on suspicion of homicide and stays in police custody. In a press release launched on Sunday, Mr Darke’s household described him as a “deeply loved father to three daughters and a proud grandfather to three boys”.
They mentioned: “He was a much-loved brother and a dear friend. Dave will live on forever in our hearts, minds and souls. He was a strong, active, intelligent and kind person who was a friend to all.
“He was a faithful household man with a deep ardour for all times, the outside, nature and strolling. His life was tragically reduce quick and he is now reunited together with his loving, caring dad and mom. He will likely be sorely missed by all who knew and liked him.”
Known to his friends and family as Dave, neighbours said he was a “good man” who worked at a local hotel and lived alone in a bungalow in the village.
Emergency services were alerted to the incident on Church Street just before 9.45pm on Sunday, December 21, and Mr Darke died at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham on Saturday.
Leicestershire police said an investigation into his death was ongoing, and it was being led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU). Officers have urged anyone with information who have not yet spoken to the police to come forward.
All residents who spoke to Leicestershire Live were in complete shock, saying that nothing like this had happened before in the village.
The pub’s next-door neighbour, Chris Adams, 71, has lived there for 24 years, and he said it was “very uncommon for something like this to occur”.
He added: “We have been shocked as a result of it is such a quiet village and such a stunning pub. The landlady at The Crown does an amazing job. The pub is on the centre of the group and we have by no means recognized of any bother there.”
Millie Newall, 21, who lives a few doors down from The Crown, said her dad had been walking his dog when it happened, and he called the ambulance. She said: “It’s fairly scary. But issues like this do occur. It’s a quiet village and it is unusual for one thing like this to occur right here.”
Detective Inspector Kevin Hames, the senior investigating officer, mentioned: “The initial investigation resulted in us identifying several witnesses and examining CCTV from the area.
“Those enquiries will continue and the suspect will be re-interviewed by detectives. It is an extremely difficult time for Mr Darke’s family and specialist officers are supporting them.
“We would still encourage anyone who was in the Church Street last Sunday evening and hasn’t yet spoken with officers to get in touch. We need to speak to as many people as possible who can help us piece together what happened that evening.”
Anyone with any info is requested to contact 101 quoting crime quantity 25*744889.
https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/2151127/granddad-died-pub-attack-leicester