Man dies after being punched outside village pub

A 66-year-old man has died days after being punched at a village pub.

David Darke, who died in hospital on Saturday, was injured outside the Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, Leics, on Dec 21. Police were called at around 9.45pm.

Leicestershire Police said a 26-year-old man initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm had been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

The force said: “The victim was outside The Crown public house when he was punched, sustaining a serious head injury.

“Sadly, the victim, 66-year-old David Darke, passed away at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham today.”

Det Insp Kevin Hames, of the East Midlands special operation murder investigation team, said: “The initial investigation resulted in us identifying several witnesses and examining CCTV from the area.

“Those inquiries 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.”

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