Murder hunt launched after Parkgate street attack - 12th Feb 2009 11:40am
A MURDER inquiry has been launched after a father-of-two died in hospital after being assaulted on a street when he confronted a pair of youths for shouting and swearing.
Alan Corney, 67, suffered a head injury after he was assaulted by one of the youths while walking home with his wife in Parkgate just before 9pm on November 14.
After he challenged the two hooded youths about their loutish behaviour, the pair confronted him and one of them struck Mr Corney, knocking him to the ground.
He was treated for a fractured cheekbone days after the assault, but on December 7 he collapsed at home with a blood clot. He spent weeks sedated in hospital and died on Friday (Feb 6).
His family said yesterday they were “absolutely heartbroken”.
Two 14-year-old boys were interviewed under caution and enquiries are ongoing after the assault in The Parade, Parkgate.
In a statement Mr Corney’s wife Norma, daughter Alex and son Michael said: “We are absolutely heartbroken and beside ourselves with grief. We are distraught and sickened by the events surrounding his death and it will be a very long time before we can move forward as a family.
“We can only hope that his attacker is caught to prevent this happening to any other family.
“Whilst we are grateful and overwhelmed at the immense show of support from friends and family at this difficult time, it would be appreciated if our desire for privacy at this most difficult time is respected.
According to locals, Mr Corney had only recently moved to Parkgate, after his previous home in Neston was sold to Merseybeat legend Gerry Marsden.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Roberts from Cheshire Police said: “Incidents such as this are extremely rare within this community where levels of violent crime are low.
“The community of Parkgate and Neston should be assured that police are making every effort to trace those responsible for this attack and bring them to justice.
“Anyone with any concerns about this incident or issues within the Parkgate community should contact Inspector Richard Rees at Ellesmere Port Neighbourhood Policing Team who will be happy to discuss any concerns with you.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information to call 0845 4580000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
THE DAILY MAIL
Alan Corney, 67, suffered a head injury after he was assaulted by one of the youths while walking home with his wife in Parkgate just before 9pm on November 14.
After he challenged the two hooded youths about their loutish behaviour, the pair confronted him and one of them struck Mr Corney, knocking him to the ground.
He was treated for a fractured cheekbone days after the assault, but on December 7 he collapsed at home with a blood clot. He spent weeks sedated in hospital and died on Friday (Feb 6).
His family said yesterday they were “absolutely heartbroken”.
Two 14-year-old boys were interviewed under caution and enquiries are ongoing after the assault in The Parade, Parkgate.
In a statement Mr Corney’s wife Norma, daughter Alex and son Michael said: “We are absolutely heartbroken and beside ourselves with grief. We are distraught and sickened by the events surrounding his death and it will be a very long time before we can move forward as a family.
“We can only hope that his attacker is caught to prevent this happening to any other family.
“Whilst we are grateful and overwhelmed at the immense show of support from friends and family at this difficult time, it would be appreciated if our desire for privacy at this most difficult time is respected.
According to locals, Mr Corney had only recently moved to Parkgate, after his previous home in Neston was sold to Merseybeat legend Gerry Marsden.
Detective Chief Inspector Brian Roberts from Cheshire Police said: “Incidents such as this are extremely rare within this community where levels of violent crime are low.
“The community of Parkgate and Neston should be assured that police are making every effort to trace those responsible for this attack and bring them to justice.
“Anyone with any concerns about this incident or issues within the Parkgate community should contact Inspector Richard Rees at Ellesmere Port Neighbourhood Policing Team who will be happy to discuss any concerns with you.”
Police are appealing for anyone with information to call 0845 4580000 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
THE DAILY MAIL
