Murder probe as man dies after attack outside Willenhall Wetherspoons
Matthew Powney was attacked outside the pub where he'd worked for seven years.
A murder probe has been launched after a man who was attacked outside a Willenhall pub died in hospital.
Matthew Powney, aged 31, suffered serious head injuries when he was assaulted outside the Wetherspoons where he'd worked for seven years.
Mr Powney was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after he was attacked just after midnight yesterday but died in hospital in the afternoon. A post mortem was due to take place today.
Police are treating his death as murder and have already spoken to several witnesses but are appealing for anyone else with information to come forward.
Nobody has been arrested.
Tributes
Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “ We are devastated by the death of Matt Powney.
“Matt worked for the company for more than seven years and was highly regarded and liked by both staff and customers at The Malthouse in Willenhall where he worked.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”
A JustGiving page has now been set up "to ensure financial security for Matt’s partner and daughter."
Cat Turner, who organised the fundraiser, worked with Mr Powney at the pub and said everybody who knew him had been left devastated.
"He was extremely loyal to the Malthouse and would do anything to help his colleagues," she added.
A statement on the fundraiser, which had an initial target of £2,000, said: " Matt was extremely hard working and highly thought of by all who knew him, nothing was too much trouble.
"Devastatingly, he leaves behind his family, partner and infant daughter who will now have to continue life without him.
"As a community, we would like to ensure the financial security of his young family during this time and your donations will help to achieve this.
"Matt, you will be incredibly missed by all. God bless you."
Nessa Jeffries posted on Facebook: "RIP Matt Powney. Things will never be the same again seeing you smile with your mates at Wetherspoons Willenhall."
Witnesses
New Road, outside the Wetherspoons, was cordoned off throughout Monday as officers scoured the area and searched for evidence.
Detective Inspector Justin Spanner from the West Midlands Police Homicide Team said his team had continued to work throughout the night.
He added: “We understand there was a fight that ended with a bystander being attacked - and shockingly he passed away at hospital a matter of hours later alongside family members.
“At this time no arrests have been made, but our officers have worked through the night to secure CCTV, witness accounts and vital evidence from the scene.
“If anyone was in New Road at the time and witnessed the attack, or has any information that could help our enquiry, then please call the Homicide Team on 101."
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Homicide Team on 101 quoting log number 37 of 9/7/18.
