A THIRTY-TWO-year-old man who was left in critical condition after an assault in Thirsk has died, leaving behind three baby boys and a newborn daughter.

Police confirmed that Alan Barefoot, from South Klivington, who had been fighting for his life in hospital since the incident, died without regaining consciousness.

A senior investigating officer has confirmed that police are now treating the assault as a murder investigation.

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Mr Barefoot had recently become a father to a newborn daughter just a couple of weeks ago and he is pictured cradling her.

Mr Barefoot’s girlfriend, Charlotte, has paid him tribute and has urged anyone with information on the assault to come forward to the police.

She said: “Alan was such an amazing boyfriend, son, brother, and friend to everyone who knew him. He was one of life’s good guys and just an all-round brilliant person.

“He was also the best daddy to our newborn daughter and our hearts have been shattered into a million pieces. It’s not possible to put into words how much we will miss him.

“If anyone has any information about the incident leading to Alan’s death, I hope you come forward and speak to the police. Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but for the sake of our daughter, who now has to face the rest of her life without her beloved daddy in her life“.

Police say the assault took place in Thirsk Market Place at around 9.45pm on Saturday October 16 following an incident at The Royal Pub that had spilled into the streets.

According to the force, a number of people inside the pub witnessed the incident.

Emergency services attended the scene and Alan was taken to hospital with a serious head injury where he sadly died on the evening of Sunday, October 24.

A 21-year-old man was arrested soon after on suspicion of wounding with intent and has been released on bail.

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A 24-year-old man and a 56-year-old man were later arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent and have also been released on bail.

North Yorkshire Police have said the investigation remains ongoing as they work to establish the full circumstances leading to Mr Barefoot’s death.

Detective inspector Steve Menzies, senior investigating officer of the North Yorkshire Police’s Major Investigation Team, said: “Following the sad death of Alan Barefoot, this is now a murder investigation.

“Last week we issued a CCTV appeal to identify a number of witnesses, and we would like to thank everyone who came forward to help with the investigation following this appeal.

“We would also like to stress that those pictured were potential witnesses and not suspects.

“We are determined to find all of those responsible for this attack which has claimed the life of a young father, who’s baby is just a few weeks old. We will also do all that we can to trace everyone who witnessed the incident.

“I am urging anyone who saw the incident, or has any information which could help the investigation, to please get in touch with us immediately if they haven’t yet come forward.

“This includes anyone who has taken photographs or video footage of the incident to get in touch, as this could be invaluable in supporting our investigation.

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“Our thoughts are with Alan’s loved ones at this very sad time.”

Police ask that if you have any information which could help, please email MajorInvestigationTeam@Northyorkshire.police.uk quoting reference number: 12210223112.

You can also provide information anonymously if you wish via independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via their website.

There is currently a GoFundMe set up for Alan's family which you can donate to here

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