Assault victim's death sparks murder probe (From Clacton and Frinton Gazette)

Assault victim's death sparks murder probe

2:49pm Tuesday 22nd September 2009

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POLICE have launched a murder probe after an attack victim died more than two months after he was stabbed and run over in Jaywick.

John Smith, 58, was left with serious injuries following an assault in Broadway on July 11.

He died in the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel on Saturday sparking a murder inquiry.

Police said the victim had remained in hospital ever since the attack. It is not known whether he ever regained consciousness.

A spokesman said: "Police investigating an incident at Broadway, Jaywick on Saturday, July 11, where a man received stab wounds can now confirm that he died in hospital on September 18.

"This is now being treated as a murder enquiry."

Mr Smith, from Jaywick, was involved in an incident at around 6pm when he was assaulted and hit by a car.

The area was cordoned off and a police scene of crime tent set up.

Local residents said at the time they were "shocked" at what had happened.

The victim's condition was originally said to be serious but stable at Colchester General Hospital. Mr Smith was later transfered to the Royal London.

A 45-year-old man has been charged with attempted murder and a 31-year-old woman with assisting an offender. She is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Five other men, aged between 27 and 42, and a 30-year-old woman are on police bail until end of October.

Detectives today renewed an appeal for witnesses to come forward. Anyone with information should contact them at Clacton on 0300 333 4444 or anonymously by calling Crimestoppers.

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