Beaten man, 73, dies in hospital

A grandfather who was badly beaten outside a pub in County Durham has died in hospital, police said.

Roofer Cliff Palmer, 73, had been on a life support machine after being attacked outside Blake's pub in the centre of Newton Aycliffe on Saturday.

Police confirmed he died of severe head injuries in Darlington Memorial Hospital on Sunday afternoon.

A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Mr Palmer's family are said to be "devastated".

'Family-orientated'

The former British Rail worker had been on his way home to Berry Road in the town when he was attacked.

He leaves a wife Elsie, two daughters Beverley and Marie, and five grandchildren.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "Mr Palmer was a popular, family-orientated man who doted on his grandchildren. His family are devastated by his death."

Police said there were about 50 people inside the pub, and quite a number outside when Mr Palmer left. They have appealed for witnesses.