AN elderly man who died four days after suffering a serious neck injury has been identified by police.

Roy Clayton, 79, of Prudhoe, Northumberland, was critically injured following a suspected assault at around 9.40am on Friday.

Police attended an address on Woodhead Road following a report of a disturbance.

He died in hospital on Tuesday and his family are being supported by specialist family liaison officers at this devastating time.

An investigation is ongoing into Mr Clayton’s death and a 48-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has been released on police bail.

Police have said it is believed that the parties had been known to each other.

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Detective Chief Inspector Graeme Dodds, of Northumbria Police, said: “Roy’s family are understandably distraught by what has happened and have asked that their privacy is respected as they attempt to come to terms with their loss.

“For this to happen at any time is difficult, but so close to Christmas is incredibly poignant and they have rightly asked for time and space to help process the events of the last few days.

“I would like to thank everyone who has so far come forward to assist our investigation.

“Our enquiries are very much ongoing, and we’re determined to give Roy’s family the answers they deserve regarding his death.

“Please continue to refrain from any speculation – both on social media and in the wider community – that could jeopardise the ongoing investigation.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website or by calling 101 quoting log NP-20211210-0247.

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