FIVE men have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a football fan who died more than five years after he was attacked at a match.
Cambridge United supporter Simon Dobbin was left with permanent brain damage following the assault on his way home from an away game in 2015.
He was set upon as he walked to the train station after his team's 0-0 draw against Southend United on March 21.
Simon, who later appeared on BBC show DIY SOS, was left unable to walk or talk and died at home in Mildenhall, Suffolk, on October 21, 2020, at the age of 48.
Essex Police began treating his death as a murder after medical tests showed a "direct, causal" link between it and the injuries he had sustained.
And homicide detectives today arrested five men, aged 27, 30, 34, 39 and 45, at addresses across south Essex.
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They are all in custody to be questioned on suspicion of murder.
Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "Simon's wife, Nicole, and their daughter Emily have been kept updated on our progress every step of the way.
"Simon was a completely innocent party in the disorder that took place that day and his family have been through an unimaginable time.
"The injuries Simon sustained that day did not just change his life, they also changed the lives of Nicole and Emily.
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"As a team, we will do everything we possibly can to secure justice for Nicole, Emily and Simon's wider family and friends."
He said that as well as the five arrests, police are also speaking to a number of people considered witnesses to gather their accounts.
In 2017, Simon and his family touched the nation's hearts on homeimprovement TV programme DIY SOS.
A team of volunteers transformed his home to help meet his additional needs.
They converted the lounge into Simon's bedroom, kitted out with an overhead hoist system and a tilting bedframe to assist Nicole.
The kitchen and garden were also given a makeover.
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Presenter Nick Knowles later paid tribute to the footie fan following his death.
He said at the time: "Very sad news. His family put everything aside to care for him. Our sympathies are with them."
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