(Appleby Magna, December 28, 2025) —
Leicestershire Police have launched a murder investigation following the death of a 66-year-old man who was punched outside a pub earlier this month.
- David Darke, 66, died in hospital on Saturday, six days after sustaining a head injury.
- The incident occurred near the Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, North West Leicestershire, on December 21.
- A 36-year-old man initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder.
David Darke died in hospital on Saturday after being injured on December 21, according to Leicestershire Police. The incident occurred near the Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, North West Leicestershire.
Officers were called to the pub at approximately 9:45 p.m. last Sunday, police said. The victim sustained a serious head injury after being punched while outside the establishment.
A 36-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, but has since been re-arrested on suspicion of murder, according to the force.
Investigation Ongoing
Detective Inspector Kevin Hames, of the East Midlands Special Operation Murder Investigation Team, said the initial investigation involved identifying witnesses and examining CCTV footage from the area. “Those inquiries will continue and the suspect will be re-interviewed by detectives,” Hames stated.
“It is an extremely difficult time for Mr Darke’s family and specialist officers are supporting them,” Hames added.
Time.news based this report in part on reporting by Sky News and added independent analysis and context.
