Murder investigation launched after death of man punched outside village pub in Leicestershire

Police have launched a murder investigation after the death of a 66-year-old man six days after he was punched outside a village pub.

David Darke died in hospital on Saturday after being injured near to the Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, North West Leicestershire, on 21 December.

Leicestershire Police said a 36-year-old man initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm had been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.

Officers were called to the pub at about 9.45pm last Sunday.

The force said the victim was outside when he was punched and sustained a serious head injury.

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Detective Inspector 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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