Tributes to "kind" man who died after suspected attack

Tuesday 24 September 2019

A 65-year-old, who died of "serious injuries" following an apparent argument in a pub, has been remembered as a "kind" and "respectful" man, who was "always smiling."

Police named the man as Melvin Christopher Murphy (65) yesterday, as they confirmed that a 50-year-old had been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and renewed their appeal for more information about the incident late on Saturday evening.

Mr Murphy was found in the grounds of Springfield Stadium on Saturday (21 September) night, having suffered severe injuries, and an ambulance was called for him. He was taken to hospital, and described as being in "serious condition", but passed away on Sunday night due to his injuries.

Pictured: Mr Murphy was taken to hospital, but died of what Police described as "serious injuries."

Police said in a statement on Sunday that they suspected that he was assaulted between 22:30 and 23:30, following a dispute that started “at or inside the Robin Hood Public House front courtyard."

“It is known that two men in their 50s to 60s, who are known to each other, had a verbal altercation inside the Robin Hood entrance. The men were heard to argue and a third unknown male was trying to separate them,” they explained.

“The older male walked off in the direction of Springfield Garage and towards Springfield Stadium on Janvrin Road. This male was later found injured in the grounds of Springfield Stadium and an ambulance was called.”

A 50-year-old man - described as wearing a light-coloured top and long shorts with trainers on the evening of the alleged attack - was arrested and remained in Police custody to assist with their "ongoing enquiries". He has now been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

Pictured: A 50-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

Since Mr Murphy's identity was revealed last night, tributes have poured in for the 65-year-old.

"RIP Melvin! You You were such a kind person and respectful man. Such a loss. My heart goes out to his family and friends," one islander wrote on Facebook.

Another islander remembered him as a "a gent", who "always said hello". 

In another comment, Mr Murphy was described as "such a lovely guy, always smiling".

Police have now renewed their appeal to members of the public for more information about what happened.

They want to speak to anyone who saw or heard anything in the area, particularly around Spingfield Stadium or Janvrin Road, or those with CCTV footage, and say they are especially eager to speak to the person that tried to break up the males inside the pub’s entrance. 

Witnesses or those with more information should call 612612 or make an anonymous report using the Crimestoppers’ online form.