Simon Dobbin
(Picture: PA)Five men have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a football fan who died more than five years after he was attacked on his way home from a match.
Cambridge United supporter Simon Dobbin was set upon as he walked to the railway station following his team's 0-0 away draw against Southend United on March 21 2015.
He 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 said medical tests showed there was a direct link between his death and the injuries he had suffered.
Homicide detectives arrested five men, aged 27, 30, 34, 39 and 45, at addresses across south Essex on Friday morning.
They are now in custody and being 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.
“As a team, we will do everything we possibly can to secure justice for Nicole, Emily and Simon’s wider family and friends.”
It is with a heavy heart that Cambridge United can confirm we have received the devastating news that Simon Dobbin sadly passed away at home this morning.
— Cambridge United FC 🇺🇦 (@CambridgeUtdFC) October 21, 2020
Sweet dreams Simon. Forever a U 💛 🖤 pic.twitter.com/mNB5wlaBJP
As well as the five arrests, police are also speaking to a number of witnesses to gather further information, Mr Jennings added.
Last year, Essex Police offered £20,000 for information surrounding the death of Mr Dobbin.
