A 66-year-old grandfather has died after suffering a fatal head injury when he was punched outside a village pub just days before Christmas, as police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the assault.
David “Dave” Darke passed away on Saturday, Dec. 27, nearly a week after the attack outside The Crown Inn in the Leicestershire village of Appleby Magna. According to Leicestershire Police, Darke was struck shortly before 9:45 p.m. on Dec. 21 and sustained a serious head injury. He was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, where he later died.
Darke’s family paid tribute to him in a statement released through police, describing him as a “deeply loved” father of three and a proud grandfather to three boys. They said his death had left a devastating void in their lives.
“Dave was a much-loved brother and a dear friend,” the family said. “He was a strong, active, intelligent and kind person who was a friend to all. He will live on forever in our hearts, minds and souls.”
They added that Darke was a devoted family man with a passion for life, the outdoors, nature and walking, and said his life had been “tragically cut short.” The family said he would be sorely missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Police said the investigation into the assault remains ongoing. A 36-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm following the incident and later released on bail. After Darke’s death, the suspect was re-arrested on suspicion of murder on Dec. 27 and remains in police custody.
Detective Inspector Kevin Hames of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, which is leading the investigation, said officers are continuing to gather evidence and review CCTV footage from the area. He confirmed that multiple witnesses have already been identified, but urged anyone who was in the Church Street area on the night of the attack and has not yet spoken to police to come forward.
“This is an extremely difficult time for Mr. Darke’s family, and specialist officers are supporting them,” Hames said. “We need to speak to as many people as possible who can help us piece together what happened that evening.”
Residents of Appleby Magna described the incident as shocking and out of character for the quiet village. Several locals told Leicestershire Live that trouble is rare in the area and that The Crown Inn is known as a friendly, welcoming pub.
“It was totally out of the blue,” said Paul Sambrook, who has lived in the village for five years. “You never feel any atmosphere at all in either of the pubs here. It’s a friendly, cordial place.”
Another resident, Millie Newall, said the attack was “quite scary,” adding that it was strange for something so serious to happen in such a peaceful community. Others echoed the sentiment, calling the incident deeply sad and difficult to understand.
Police have asked anyone with information to contact them as the investigation continues.