A man was beaten to death in front of horrified pub drinkers just hours after England’s disappointing Euro 2024 draw with Denmark, prompting police to launch a murder investigation.
The 57-year-old victim, who suffered fatal head injuries, was attacked in a West Sussex bar less than three hours after the match ended in a 1-1 draw.
One man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and another on suspicion of affray, while police are hunting a third suspect.
Sussex Police said the incident occurred in the Dolphin and Anchor Wetherspoons pub in Chichester just before 11pm on Thursday night. The pub was busy at the time of the assault.
Emergency services arrived promptly and attempted to save the man by performing CPR in the street outside the pub, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
Police have appealed for anyone who was in the pub during the incident to come forward. There is no indication that the victim knew his attackers.
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.
A 30-year-old man from Birmingham has been arrested on suspicion of murder, and a 42-year-old man from County Durham has been arrested on suspicion of affray. Both remain in police custody. Authorities have also launched a manhunt for a third suspect, who has been identified. Police are appealing for information on his whereabouts.
Detective Chief Inspector Suzanne Joseph of the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team stated: “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 with information can also contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report it online.
