The number of people arrested in connection with a “sickening attack” on a father-of-three has risen to 17 after eight men were taken into custody today.
Simon Dobbin, a 42-year-old Cambridge United supporter from Mildenhall, was assaulted along with a small group of other fans on March 21.
It happened after a game between Mr Dobbin’s club and Southend United at around 7.15pm in East Street, Southend.
A group of men came out of the Railway Tavern and attacked the group leaving Mr Dobbin unconscious and with a head injury.
He was transferred to Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and was placed in a medically induced coma.
He is now conscious but remains in hospital in a serious but stable condition.
This morning’s arrests included a 23-year-old man from Rochford, a 23-year-old man from Lewisham, a 27-year-old man and a 30-year-old man from Westcliff, a 19-year-old man from Basildon, a 29-year-old man from Leigh, a 19-year-old man from Wickford and a 22-year-old man from Southend. They currently all remain in custody.
A further man, a 39-year-old from Southend, was arrested on Thursday June 25, and questioned and bailed.
All of those previously arrested remain on police bail, pending further enquiries.
DCI Martin Pasmore, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, who is leading the investigation, said: “Our investigation is progressing and it will take time to piece together the actions of all those involved but my team and I are determined to bring those responsible for this sickening attack to justice.
“I want to make it clear that Mr Dobbin was an entirely innocent person enjoying a day out watching a football match.
“He was not involved in any earlier quarrels or incidents and it could have been anyone’s loved one attacked on the day and now looking at the possibility of having to live with a permanent brain injury.
“I ask that those who know what happened do the right thing and make contact either directly or in confidence through Crimestoppers.”
Witnesses or anyone with information are asked to call the Harlow Major Investigation Room on 01279 621802 or ringl Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org
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