The family of a hotel worker who died after being attacked outside a village pub have paid tribute to the ‘devoted’ father and grandfather.

David Darke, 66, known to his family and friends as Dave, suffered head injuries and died in hospital on Saturday, six days after he was punched outside the The Crown Public House in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire.

A man aged 36 who was initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm was later re-arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

In a statement released on Sunday, Mr Darke’s family said he was ‘a deeply loved father to three daughters and a proud grandfather to three boys’.

They said: ‘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 devoted family man with a deep passion for life, the outdoors, nature and walking.

‘His life was tragically cut short and he’s now reunited with his loving, caring parents.

‘He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him.’

David Darke, 66, died in hospital on Saturday six days after he was punched
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David Darke, 66, died in hospital on Saturday six days after he was punched


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Mr Darke was punched outside The Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire on December 21, which is less than half a mile from his home in the village

A neighbour, who did not want to be named, said Mr Darke worked at a local hotel and was a ‘very nice man’.

He lived alone in a smart bungalow in the picturesque village on the edge of the National Forest.

The neighbour said: ‘It’s so very sad. He was a very nice man. Everyone is very shocked.’

Emergency services were first called to Church Street in Appleby Magna, just before 9.45pm on Sunday, December 21.

Mr Darke died at the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham on Saturday.

Leicestershire police said an investigation into Mr Darke’s death – led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU) – was continuing.

Officers appealed for anyone who can help but who has not yet spoken to police to come forward.

People living in the village expressed their sadness.

Chris Adams, 71, who lives next door to the pub was at home when on the evening of the attack.

He told LeicestershireLive: ‘We didn’t hear or see anything at the time. We’ve just heard the news and it’s very sad.

‘We’ve been here for 24 years and it’s very unusual for anything like this to happen.

‘We were shocked because it’s such a quiet village and such a lovely pub.

‘The landlady at The Crown does a tremendous job. The pub is at the centre of the community and we’ve never known of any trouble there.’

Millie Newall, 21, who lives a few doors down from The Crown, said: ‘My dad was out walking the dog when it happened and he was the one who called the ambulance.

‘It’s quite scary. But things like this do happen. It’s a quiet village and it’s strange for something like this to happen here.’

Paul and Julie Sambrook have lived in the village for five years. Mr Sambrook said: ‘It’s totally out of the blue.

‘You never feel any atmosphere at all in either of the pubs in the village. It’s a friendly, cordial drinking establishment.’

Mrs Sambrook added: ‘It’s quite a shock. It’s totally out of character for this village. We’ve never come across anything like this before.’