Police in Reading begin murder investigation
It's after a man attacked outside Reading station dies in hospital
Police have begun a murder investigation following the death of a man who was attacked outside Reading station.
John Donovan, aged 60, from Tilehurst in Reading , was assaulted outside Reading train station at about 8.45pm on 20 July.
John was taken to hospital where he sadly died on 11 August.
A post-mortem examination found John’s cause of death to be a traumatic head injury.
Officers arrested a 26-year-old man from Reading on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm (GBH) on 21 July.
He has been re-arrested on suspicion of murder and manslaughter and remains in police custody.
Tribute
Mr Donovan's family said:
“As a family we are devastated by John’s untimely death.
“He was a much loved brother, father, grandfather, uncle and brother in law.
“If any of us ever needed anything, John would always be there to help with a smile and offers of support.
“John had a huge circle of friends due to his varied interests, notwithstanding all his friends from his childhood and school days in Reading.
“We would like to take this opportunity to express our thanks to the police and ambulance staff who attended John immediately after the incident and escorted him to the John Radcliffe Hospital.
“We would also like to say a huge thank you for the excellent care that he received in the Neurosciences ICU in Oxford.
“The staff not only looked after John, they supported us as a family in the last three weeks of his life.
“We would now be very grateful as a family if we are given time to grieve for the lovely person who was John in private.”
Arrests
Officers also arrested a 39-year-old man from Slough on suspicion of Section 18 – GBH with intent and a 20-year-old woman from Reading on suspicion of inflicting GBH on 20 July. They both remain on police bail until 13 October.
Homicide
Investigating officer Detective Inspector Alice Broad, of the Major Crime Unit, said:
“Firstly, our thoughts are with John Donovan’s family at this extremely difficult time. We have been supporting them ever since the incident on 20 July and continue to do so.
“Following John’s death, we are now investigating a homicide instead of an assault, and his cause of death has been established.
“We have re-arrested a man on suspicion of murder and manslaughter and he remains in our custody at this time.
“Another man and a woman remain on police bail having been previously arrested in connection with the incident.
“If you have any information or footage which you think could help our investigation, please call us on 101, quoting reference number 43240345971.
“Alternatively, you can make a report online, or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”