THE MAN attacked by an off-road biker in Coventry on Tuesday night (March 17) has died in hospital.
Police say their inquiries into the assault in Jubilee Crescent, Radford, have become a murder investigation.
The man arrested this week has been released without charge.
A spokeswoman for West Midlands Police said: “Our investigation into an assault in Coventry that saw a man punched by an off-road biker is now a murder enquiry after the victim sadly died last night.
“The victim – named as 41-year-old Thady Joe Higgins from Bedford – was assaulted in Links Road between Jubilee Crescent and Telfer Road at around 6.45pm on Tuesday (17 March).
“It’s understood Mr Higgins, who was visiting family in the city, had remonstrated with a man riding anti-socially in the residential area moments before he was attacked.
“He suffered a head injury and passed away last night. Our specialist family liaison officers are supporting his loved ones at this tragic time.”
Police added Mr Higgins’ family described him as a “gentle giant” adding “he didn’t have an aggressive bone in his body”.
A 37-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has been released without charge. An off-road bike has been seized for examination.
Detective Inspector Justin Spanner, said: “Sadly there was nothing that could be done to save Mr Higgins’ life and my condolences go out to his family and friends.
“We need to find who attacked Mr Higgins and I’d urge anyone with information to contact the police. They can do that anonymously without leaving their name or contact details.
“People in the community know who is responsible. I should stress that if we find that anyone is helping him evade capture they will also be arrested for assisting an offender and may well find themselves in prison.
“If anyone was in the Jubilee Crescent area of Radford between 6 and 7pm on Tuesday – especially anyone who filmed the incident or took photos – I would ask them to call us.
“Similarly, if anyone has CCTV or dashcam footage then I’d urge them to get in touch.”
Any witnesses or anyone with information is asked to message us via Live Chat on our website or call 101 quoting log 2824 from 17 March.
People can also call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. Callers won’t be asked for their names and calls cannot be traced.
And they can also provide information through the Police Major Incident Public Reporting Site: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/20HQ19Z98-PO1
