Simon Dobbin: Five men arrested on suspicion of murdering soccer fans dead 5 years after attack in 2015 | UK News
Five men have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of football fan Simon Dobbin, who has been dead for five years after he was attacked on his way home from a game.
Cambridge United fan Mr Dobbin suffered permanent brain damage after sustaining a concussion after his team drew 0-0 at Southend United on 21 March 2015.
He was unable to walk or talk and needed round-the-clock care following the attack, in Station Approach, Southend, Essex.
Mr Dobbin died aged 48 on October 21, 2020 at his home in Mildenhall, Suffolk.
Medical tests showed a direct link between Mr Dobbin’s death and the injuries he sustained, Essex Police said.
The five suspects, aged 27, 30, 34, 39 and 45, were arrested Friday morning at addresses in the southern part of the county.
They are all in custody and will be questioned on suspicion of murder.
Detective chief detective Stephen Jennings, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crimes Bureau, who is leading the investigation, said: “The investigations into Simon’s death suggest a direct cause-and-effect link injuries he sustained in Southend on the day he was attacked in March 2015.
“As a result of those findings, we began treating Simon’s death as a homicide and a new investigation was launched.
“As part of that investigation, this morning we arrested five people on suspicion of murder.
“We are also talking to a number of people we are considering as witnesses to obtain their accounts.”
Mr Dobbin suffered permanent brain damage after being attacked in 2015.
Cambridge United FC paid tribute to Mr Dobbin after his death was announced – tweeting how the club thought of his wife, Nicole, daughter, Emily, as well as family and friends close friends.
Mrs Dobbin described her husband as her “gentle giant” who “fought so hard to be with his family”.
“Sadly his heart wasn’t strong enough, but he is now at peace and will forever be in my heart.”
Mr Dobbin appeared on an episode of DIY SOS in January 2019, when presenter Nick Knowles expressed gratitude to his family, who “put everything aside to care for him”. “.
