A man who was taken to hospital in critical condition after an incident at a County Durham pub last week has died, police have confirmed.

Craig Gill, aged 61, was taken to James Cook University Hospital on July 8 just after 7.30pm following reports of an incident at Blakes Sports Bar and Lounge in Newton Aycliffe.

Police, ambulance, and the air ambulance service were spotted at the bar on Beveridge Road in the town following the incident.

Read more: Man in critical condition after 'incident' at Blakes in Aycliffe

The Northern Echo: Forensic officers at Blakes, Newton Aycliffe

Unfortunately, Craig passed away on July 13 as police continue their investigation into the incident.

A spokesperson for Durham Constabulary has said: “A man has sadly died following a serious assault at Blake’s Bar, in Newton Aycliffe, last weekend.

“Craig Gill, 61, was taken to James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, following the incident on the evening of Saturday, July 8, but sadly died last night.

“An investigation into the incident remains ongoing.”

The Northern Echo: Scene of crime officers at Blakes in Newton Aycliffe

Following the news, Craig’s family have said they are all “heartbroken” at the loss.

A social media post from a close family member read: “Just to let friends know before it goes around the town, Craig died in James Cook last night.

“We are heartbroken RIP Craig we all love you.”

Two days after the incident on July 10, 33-year-old Richard Smith-Slater from Newton Aycliffe was charged with wounding and appeared at Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court.

The Northern Echo: Scene of crime officers at Blakes in Newton Aycliffe

It remains unknown whether new charges will now be pressed.

Forensic officers were carrying out investigations at Blakes Sports Bar until late in the night on July 8 following the incident.

Officers also remained at the scene as the investigation began, as a Crime Scene Investigation Unit van was also spotted outside the bar.

This led to the owners closing the bar, releasing a statement online citing "unforseen circumstances."

The post read: "Due to unforeseen circumstances we won’t be open tonight. Sorry for the inconvenience."

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The Northern Echo: Scene of crime officers at Blakes in Newton Aycliffe

On the night of the incident (July 8), a NEAS spokesperson said, "We received a call at 19.35 this evening to an incident at Blakes on Beveridge Road in Newton Aycliffe.

"We sent two emergency ambulance crews and the air ambulance and took one male patient to James Cook major trauma centre in a critical condition."