Family's 'world ripped apart' after dad dies in assault at social club
Simon Clayton, 58, was assaulted at a social club and tragically died from his injuries - leaving his family devastated as they paid tribute to the 'infectiously charismatic' dad
by Zahra Khaliq · The MirrorA heartbroken family have paid tribute to their "infectiously charismatic" father after he was assualted at a social club and later died in hospital.
Police rushed over to Waterfoot Social Club in Rossendale, Lancashire, following reports of a serious assault at 11:51pm on Saturday, November 23. The force previously told how a 58-year-old man was taken to hospital and tragically died from his injuries.
He was later named as Simon Clayton, from Accrington. Simon's devastated family say their lives have been "ripped apart" with his sudden death leaving a "void that can never be filled".
A 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm, and has since been bailed with conditions. Officers said enquiries are ongoing, but reassured the public they believe this was an "isolated incident".
In a statement, the force said: "We received a report of a serious assault at Waterfoot Social Club on Ashworth Street, Rossendale, at 11:51pm on Saturday, November 23. Officers attended, along with our colleagues from the North West Ambulance Service and a 58-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
"A 60-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm and was later bailed with conditions as our enquiries continued.
"Very sadly, the 58-year-old man later died in hospital. He can now be named as Simon Clayton, from Accrington. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly distressing time. A Home Office Postmortem will be carried out to determine how Mr Clayton died."
Paying tribute to him, Simon’s family said: “Simon was a very infectiously charismatic person who adored and loved his family dearly. Our world has been ripped apart and we are left with a void that can never be filled. He will be missed more than words can describe.”
DCI John McNamara, of our Force Major Investigation Team, said: “First and foremost, my thoughts are with Simon’s loved ones, at what must be an incredibly upsetting and difficult time for them. They are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.
“We have a dedicated team of both detectives and uniformed officers investigating and carrying out enquiries. I want to reassure you that this is being treated as an isolated incident, and there is not thought to be any wider threat to the public.
“This is where I appeal to you, the public, for your help. You will see an increased police presence in the area and if you have any information that could assist our enquiries, or have any concerns, please don’t hesitate to approach our officers as they carry out their duties.
“If you have any footage, or information, no matter how insignificant you may think it to be, please get in contact.”
Anyone with footage or information is asked to call 101 quoting log 1507 of November 23, 2024.