Murder investigation launched after man died following assault in Northampton

Robert Gardner, aged 43, of no fixed abode, died at Northampton General Hospital on Friday, June 24 following an assault earlier in the month during which he suffered a head injury.

The incident took place on Thursday, June 9, close to Krates Supermarket in Boughton Green Road in Kingsthorpe, Northampton.

Northamptonshire Police is appealing for anyone who may have witnessed an altercation between the victim and another person to contact police, quoting Operation Neon.

A 43-year-old man from Brixworth has been arrested today as part of the investigation and is helping police with their inquiries.

A police spokesman said the delay in launching the murder investigation was because the cause of Mr Gardner’s death had to be medically ascertained and his injuries properly interpreted by experts.

The spokesman said: “As soon as the police became aware that Robert’s assault on June 9 caused his death a murder investigation was immediately launched.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.