Man beaten to death inside pub after England draw against Denmark

22 June 2024 , 06:29

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Police have launched a murder probe after the 58-year-old's death (Image: Tony Kershaw / SWNS)

Police have launched a murder probe after a man was beaten to death inside a pub following England's 1-1 draw with Denmark on Thursday.

Officials investigating the horror attack believe a 57-year-old man from South Yorkshire was the victim of football violence after he suffered fatal injuries at the pub in West Sussex. He was assaulted fewer than three hours after the disappointing Euro 2024 game, with Sussex Police stating he was targeted by three men.

They launched the attack inside the The Dolphin and Anchor Wetherspoon, with emergency services arriving after the incident to provide CPR on the street outside. Despite their best efforts, paramedics were unable to save the man, and he was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have since been informed.

Police have launched a probe after three men descended on the 57-year-old (Tony Kershaw / SWNS)

Police have since arrested two men, 30-year-old man from Birmingham on suspicion of murder, and a 42-year-old man from County Durham on suspicion of affray. Both remain in police custody. Investigators have also identified a third man suspected of affray, but he "remains outstanding" and officers are working to find him.

Sussex Police said paramedics attempted CPR on the man, but were unable to save him (Tony Kershaw / SWNS)

Police have appealed for members of the public to come forward with information (Tony Kershaw / SWNS)

The service has launched an appeal, asking for anyone who may have information on the shock incident to come forward. A spokesman for Sussex Police said: "The cause of the incident remains under investigation, and we're urging anyone with information to come forward as we seek to establish the full circumstances."

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The incident has seen parts of the town cordoned off, and the local police presence increased (Tony Kershaw / SWNS)

Detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Joseph, of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: "This incident led to the tragic death of a 57-year-old man, and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. It happened in a busy pub in the city centre, and we’re urging anyone with information to come forward as we seek to establish the exact circumstances.

"If you saw what happened, or if you captured any relevant mobile or CCTV footage, please contact us. You can report it online or call 101, quoting Operation Arunside." Anyone who would prefer to remain anonymous can provide information to independent charity crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or submit a report online.

Following the incident, officers cordoned off a section of the city centre, and Sussex Police have said the public can "expect to see an increased police presence in the area as enquiries continue".

Liam Doyle