Tribute paid to 'very much-loved' Blackpool fan who died after fight
Tony Johnson suffered a serious head injury and died in hospital
The partner of a man who died after a fight between football fans in Blackpool says she's devastated to lose her best friend, life partner and soul mate in a cruel act.
Tony Johnson died in hospital after suffering a serious head injury on Saturday 4 March.
The fight happened outside The Manchester Pub at around 7pm and involved a number of people.
Officers were in the area following the Blackpool v Burnley match and found Tony.
His partner, pictured with Tony above, has paid an emotional tribute.
"Tony was a very much loved dad, son, brother, uncle and Gramps and obviously a beloved friend to many.
"We all, as a family, are so heartbroken and our lives are never going to be the same.
"Thank you to the NHS, staff in A&E and the Critical Care Unit at BVH who all did as much as they could for our loved one.
"Thank you for everyone for reaching out but please could you respect our privacy at this difficult time. He will be one missed gentleman and the party will live on through us all, just as he would've wanted. Rest in peace my darling, tangerine dreams forever."
A 33-year-old man from Burnley was arrested at the scene on suspicion of wounding.
He's been bailed, pending further enquiries, until 1 June.
Lancashire Police are working with Burnley and Blackpool football clubs to work out who may have been involved and what exactly happened.
DCI Tracey McMurdo, of Lancashire Police, said:
"Mr Johnson’s family are devastated by their loss and we are supporting them at this incredibly difficult time.
"The incident took place in a busy area and we know there were a lot of people around at the time who will have seen all or part of what happened, and there may also be people who filmed the incident on a mobile phone or captured it on CCTV or dashcam. If you have any information that will help us piece together what happened, please get in touch.
"We also continue to ask people not to post any footage they might have on social media. Mr Johnson’s family are distressed enough and seeing anything of this nature will only cause them more pain. If you have already posted something online, we respectfully ask that you remove it."
A book of condolence has been opened in the Moretti Lounge at Bloomfield Road and flowers have been laid at the Mortensen Statue by club staff, players, friends and supporters.
Blackpool Tower was lit up in tangerine last night to show support to the Blackpool FC community and all those affected.
A fundraising page has been set up by fans to support Tony's family.
It has raised more than £13,500.
Anyone with information to assist Lancashire Police is asked to call 101, quoting log 675 of 6 March, or report it online here.