Murdered Man's Wife's Appeal for Witnesses

The wife of a man who died following an incident in a Lancaster pub has made a direct appeal to those responsible to hand themselves in to police.

As we reported last week, police were called to a disturbance at the Sir Richard Owen Wetherspoon pub on Spring Garden Street at about 4.15pm on Thursday, April 23, where a large group of men had been fighting.

Dave Bolton, 45, a self-employed carpenter from Preston, was discovered seriously injured at the scene and was taken to Royal Lancaster Infirmary. However he sadly died on Friday, April 24. A post mortem examination established cause of death as head injury.

Last week, Mr Bolton's wife, Michelle appealed to those responsible for her husband's death to "do the right thing" and make themselves known to police.

Mrs Bolton said: "Go to the police station and hand yourself in. Do the right thing.

"This has absolutely devastated us. It doesn't seem real - it's like it's happening to someone else.

"I was with Dave for 27 years, married for 23. We did everything together as a family. He was an absolutely fantastic person. This has absolutely devastated our sons."

Detectives are currently sifting through CCTV footage in the hunt for clues and are urging anyone who was in the pub at the time who has not yet spoken to police to come forward - before detectives contact them.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Murphy, who is leading the investigation, said: "Dave was a committed family man and the family are absolutely devastated about what has happened.

"Dave died as a result of a tragic incident involving two groups who were out in Lancaster celebrating St George's Day.

"During that disturbance, Dave received a fatal head injury. A number of enquiries are being undertaken to find out exactly what happened.

"We're currently studying CCTV and obtaining statements from a number of people to give us clarity as to who was there and what happened.

"As Michelle said, we would appeal for those persons connected with either group who haven't yet spoken to police to come forward and make themselves known to police."

DCI Murphy added: "Lancashire Constabulary understands the impact this incident will have on the confidence of everyone involved. I would like to reassure everyone we will leave no stone unturned in identifying these people."

• Anyone with information should contact Lancashire police on 08451 25 35 45 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.