A man has become the first world cup murder victim following a fatal attack after an England game.
The victim, 49, was found unconscious in the street following two assaults outside pubs after the England Belgium clash.
Despite several days of efforts trying to save the man in hospital he was pronounced dead on Tuesday.
Cops have now launched a murder investigation and are appealing for witnesses to the attack in Brixham, Devon.
Detective Inspector Lee Nattrass said: “An initial assault happened on Thursday 28 June prior to midnight outside The Three Elms in Drew Street.
“We also believe that there was a further altercation outside the Crown and Anchor Pub on Brixham Quayside; this was the same night as the England versus Belgium World Cup football match.
“The victim, a 49-year-old local man, sustained serious injuries as a result of the incident.
“He subsequently died on Tuesday the 3 of July in Derriford Hospital and we have now launched a murder investigation.
“A full investigation is underway and we are asking that anyone who has any information that can assist with this enquiry, or if you were in Drew Street or Quayside area of Brixham that evening, makes themselves known to police.
“We believe there were a number of witnesses to these two altercations and it is vital that we speak to them.
“We have previously interviewed a man in his 20’s in connection to this incident, he has been released under investigation pending further enquiries.
“Specialist liaison officers are supporting the family of the victim.”
Anyone with information should call police on 101.
