A MURDER inquiry was launched yesterday after mugging victim David Bruce lost his fight for life.

Mr Bruce died on Thursday at Newcastle Royal Victoria Infirmary, where he had lain in a coma for two weeks.

The 32-year-old father was attacked and robbed of a few bottles of cider in Stanhope Street, Newcastle, as he walked to his sister's house in the city's West End.

He suffered a broken nose and other face injuries. After the attack he managed to reach the house where an ambulance was called.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack, which happened between 10pm on Tuesday, August 1, and 12.30am the following day.

Before he lost consciousness, Mr Bruce, of Pecket Close, Newsham, Blyth, told hospital staff he had been attacked by two men.

Detective Chief Inspector Alan Stewart, leading the hunt for the killers, said Mr Bruce had travelled to Newcastle by bus and might have got off at the Haymarket bus station before walking through Leazes Park to Stanhope Street.

He said police were anxious to speak to anyone who was in the vicinity of Stanhope Street around the time of the robbery.

Mr Bruce was 5ft 8in, of medium build, with short brown hair and clean shaven. He was wearing a black leather blazer-style jacket, grey jogging trousers, a navy t-shirt and white Nike trainers.

Anyone with information should contact 0191-214 6555, extension 62371 or 62357.