Devastated girlfriend appeals for witnesses to boyfriend's murder for sake of newborn daughter

A man who was fighting for his life in hospital after being the victim of an assault in Thirsk has died.

Detectives have confirmed that Alan Barefoot, who was 32-years-old, never regained consciousness following the incident on Saturday 16 October.

His devastated girlfriend Charlotte has paid tribute to her "amazing boyfriend" who had recently become a father again to a newborn daughter.

She went on to appeal for anyone who has any information to come forward.

"Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but for the sake of our daughter, who now has to face the rest of her life without her beloved daddy in her life", she said.

Emergency services were called to Market Place in the town at around 9:45pm where they found Mr Barefoot with serious head injuries.

Witnesses reported a fight had broken out at The Royal pub, which had then spilled onto the street.

Detectives are questioning a 41-year-old man in connection with the incident. Three other men arrested have been released on bail.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Inspector Steve Menzies from North Yorkshire Police's Major Investigation Team says they are now treating Mr Barefoot's death as murder.