UPDATED: A 49-year-old Island man, who has been battling for his life in hospital following a serious assault in Newport during the early hours of Sunday morning, has died.
As previously reported by Island Echo, Police were called to St James’ Street in the town at around 04:00 on Sunday when the 49-year-old local was found with serious, life-threatening injuries in the middle of the carriageway. He was rushed to St Mary’s Hospital by ambulance and later airlifted by Coastguard helicopter to Southampton General Hospital, where he has sadly succumbed to his injuries.
The victim of what has been described by Police as a serious assault had been on life support, however a decision was taken to withdraw that support and he died shortly after 09:00 this morning (Monday).
Detectives yesterday arrested 3 people on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm – they included two 20-year-old men and a 21-year-old man. All three have been questioned by Police as part of Operation Smooth.
Now, the 3 island men have been arrested on suspicion of murder.
UPDATE @ 16:15 – Police have confirmed the identity of the deceased as Gary Stacey, 49 of Carisbrooke. Mr Stacey was known locally as ‘Jeff’.
A post mortem is due to be carried out this afternoon (Monday).
A 20-year-old man remains in Police custody on suspicion of murder, however a 21-year-old man and another 20-year-old man – who were both arrested in connection with this incident – have been released with no further action.
UPDATE @ 22:00 – Flowers have been laid and candles lit at the scene of the incident in St James’ Street, Newport.
Tributes have been pouring in on Facebook for the well-known and popular Islander.
UPDATE TUESDAY: A 20-year-old man being questioned on suspicion of murder has been bailed until 29th March.
He was initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, for which he has been released without charge.
Police are continuing with their investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Police on 101 quoting incident 44160066009 / Operation Smooth or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
