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A father-of-three has died in hospital after being violently attacked just yards from his home in Staffordshire.

Factory worker Michael Eccles, aged 43, was set upon in Weston Road on his way home from nearby shops in Dimbles Lane, Lichfield, at around 8pm on Sunday evening.

See also: In pictures: Murder inquiry launched after dad left dying

He died from his injuries at Queen’s Hospital in Burton yesterday afternoon. A murder investigation has now been launched.

Police say Mr Eccles is believed to have been returning from a nearby off licence with a bottle of wine when he was attacked. The bottle was found smashed in the road.

A 15-year-old boy and a 20-year-old man who were arrested on suspicion of assault on Sunday have now been re-arrested on suspicion of murder. The pair are being held in custody.

Steel worker Mr Eccles lived with his wife Yvonne, daughters Kayleigh, 20, and Megan, 16, and son Jimmy, 18.

A small section of the residential street, just yards from Mr Eccles’

home, remained cordoned off last night as police continued their investigation. Bunches of flowers have been placed at the scene.

The Lichfield firm where he worked as a manager, Rom Ltd, closed for the day as a mark of respect.

Tina Smith, aged 36, of Dimbles Lane, said people would be afraid to walk to their local shops after what had happened.

“You’re not safe in your own neighbourhood anymore,” she said.

“It’s shocking. It would make you think twice about popping to the shops, especially after it gets dark.” Her husband Vince, aged 41,

said: “It is a shock to see something like this happen so close to your doorstep.

“The people who do this sort of thing need stringing up,” he added.

A neighbour in Weston Road said: “They’re a nice family, they just keep themselves to themselves,” he said.

Chief Inspector Ricky Fields said: “Our thoughts are very much with Mr Eccles’ family and everyone who was close to him.”

Chief Insp Fields added that a mobile police station set up in the area would remain throughout this week, staffed until midnight each night.

Officers will be on hand to reassure members of the community.

Anyone with any information should contact Staffordshire Police on 0300 1234455 or or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.