Police launch murder inquiry into singer's death
Police investigating the death of Northamptonshire entertainer Richie Ball have said they are now treating it as murder.
Mr Ball was attacked outside the Sands Hotel in Sandown on the Isle of Wight on July 25 and was taken to hospital where he died on Monday.
A post-mortem examination, which was conducted on Tuesday on the island, has found the cause of death was head injuries.
A spokesman for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We can confirm the death of Richard Andrew Ball, aged 57, of Fairview Crescent, Sandown, Isle of Wight, is now being treated as a murder investigation."
Mr Ball, who was a father, had lived in the Northamptonshire area before settling on the island and several of his family still live in the county.
He was a guitarist and singer who played in many venues across Northampton, including the Ex- Servicemen's Club in Sheep Street, the Cathedral Social Club in Semilong Road and the Fox and Hounds in Harborough Road.
A statement issued earlier this week by Hampshire Constabulary on behalf of his family said he "died peacefully with his wife at his bedside" and he was "loved very much by his children".
William Heywood, aged 68, from Sandham Gardens, Sandown, Isle of Wight, was charged on July 28 with causing Mr Ball grievous bodily harm with intent.
Hampshire Constabulary said it is working with the Crown Prosecution Service on the investigation.
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