Murder probe after man dies following pub assault in Westcliff days before Christmas

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after another man died following an assault in a pub just days before Christmas.

Essex Police said officers were called to the Lamb and Lion pub in Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, at around 6.40pm on Friday following reports a man had been assaulted.

Despite the efforts of emergency services, the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said a 44-year-old man was arrested a short time later in the Pier Hill area and is currently in custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “My thoughts and condolences are with the victim’s family in what will be a very difficult time.

“Our investigation is in its early stages and we are still working to establish the circumstances which led up to the incident.

“The victim was assaulted inside a busy pub at a time where there would have been lots of people around and would have seen what happened.

“I need anyone who was at the pub saw the incident or what led up to it to contact us.”

In a message posted on the Lamb and Lion Pub's Facebook page, the landlord confirmed the venue was closed and would remain shut on Christmas Eve.

The statement read: "We apologise for closing the venue but this is the correct thing to do.

"To all those aggrieved our hearts go out to you. I can also confirm that the staff are ok.

"I will officially update the position as the police allow in due course.

"We will be closed tomorrow on Xmas eve."

Anyone with information is urged to contact Essex Police, quoting incident 1076 of 23 December, or contact independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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