THAMES Valley Police has launched a homicide investigation after the victim of an assault in Reading died in hospital.
The Major Crime Unit has begun the investigation after John Donovan, aged 60 and from West Berkshire, was assaulted outside Reading train station back in July.
At around 8.45pm on Saturday, July 20, he was assaulted and taken to hospital, but subsequently died on August 11.
A post-mortem examination found his cause of death to be a traumatic head injury.
Officers have made three arrests in connection with the incident, including a 26-year-old man from Reading, who was arrested on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm on July 21.
A 39-year-old man from Slough was arrested on suspicion of Section 18, GBH with intent, and a 20-year-old woman from Reading on suspicion of inflicting GBH.
They both remain on police bail until 13 October.
The 26-year-old man has been rearrested on suspicion of murder and manslaughter and remains in police custody.
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.”
