Five men suspected of murdering football fan Simon Dobbin, who died five years after he was assaulted on his way home from a match, have been arrested.
Cambridge United fan Mr Dobbin suffered permanent brain damage after being attacked after his side drew 0-0 with Southend United on March 21, 2015.
He was unable to walk or speak and required round-the-clock care after the attack, at Station Approach, Southend, Essex.
Mr Dobbin died aged 48 on October 21, 2020 at his home in Mildenhall, Suffolk.
Medical tests have shown a direct link between Mr Dobbin’s death and the injuries he sustained, Essex Police said.
The five suspects, ages 27, 30, 34, 39 and 45, were arrested Friday morning at addresses in the south of the county.
They are all being held and will be questioned on suspicion of murder.
Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings, of the Kent and Essex Major Crimes Branch, who is leading the investigation, said: “Inquiries into Simon’s death have shown a direct causal link to the injuries he suffered. he suffered in Southend the day he was attacked in March 2015.
“Following these discoveries, we began to treat Simon’s death as a homicide and a new investigation was launched.
“As part of this investigation, we arrested five people suspected of murder this morning.
“We are also speaking to a number of people who we consider to be witnesses in order to collect their testimonies.
Mr Dobbin suffered permanent brain damage after being attacked in 2015.
Cambridge United FC paid tribute to Mr Dobbin following news of his death – tweeting how the club were thinking of his wife, Nicole, daughter, Emily, and family and close friends.
Ms Dobbin described her husband as her ‘gentle giant’ who ‘fought so hard to be with his family’.
“Unfortunately his heart wasn’t strong enough, but he is now at peace and will forever be in my heart.”
Mr Dobbin appeared on an episode of the DIY SOS show in January 2019, when presenter Nick Knowles paid tribute to his family who “set aside everything to take care of him”.