Girlfriend whose partner died after street assault pays tribute to ‘the best daddy to our newborn’

Alan Barefoot died eight days after he was attacked on the street in Thirsk, now police have launched a murder probe
Alan Barefoot with his newborn daughter. Mr Barefoot died after he was attacked, now police have launched a murder investigation.Alan Barefoot with his newborn daughter. Mr Barefoot died after he was attacked, now police have launched a murder investigation.
Alan Barefoot with his newborn daughter. Mr Barefoot died after he was attacked, now police have launched a murder investigation.

A grieving girlfriend has paid tribute to her partner who she described as “the best daddy to our newborn daughter” after he died days after he was attacked.

New father Alan Barefoot, 32, was assaulted on the street on 16 October after a row in a nearby pub in Thirsk, North Yorkshire.

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Emergency services rushed to the scene and Mr Barefoot was taken to hospital with serious head injuries.

He had been in a critical condition ever since but tragically died eight days later on 24 October, sparking a murder probe.

Mr Barefoot was assaulted in Thirsk Market Place at around 9.45pm, following an incident in The Royal pub which police said “had spilled onto the street.”

‘Our hearts have been shattered into a million pieces’

Paying tribute in a statement issued by police, his heartbroken girlfriend Charlotte said: “Alan was such an amazing boyfriend, son, brother, and friend to everyone who knew him.

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“He was one of life’s good guys and just an all-round brilliant person.

“He was also the best daddy to our newborn daughter, and our hearts have been shattered into a million pieces.

“It’s not possible to put into words how much we will miss him.

“If anyone has any information about the incident leading to Alan’s death, I hope you come forward and speak to the police.

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“Not only because it’s the right thing to do, but for the sake of our daughter, who now has to face the rest of her life without her beloved daddy in her life.”

North Yorkshire Police said a 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent after the incident. He was later released on bail.

‘We are determined to find those responsible’

A 41-year-old man was also arrested in connection with the incident ten days later.

The force last week released CCTV images of men they’d like to speak to in connection with the incident, but stressed they are potential witnesses not suspects.

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Detective Inspector Steve Menzies said: “Following the sad death of Alan Barefoot, this is now a murder investigation.

“We are determined to find all of those responsible for this attack which has claimed the life of a young father, whose baby is just a few weeks old.

“We will also do all that we can to trace everyone who witnessed the incident.

“I am urging anyone who saw the incident or has any information which could help the investigation to please get in touch with us immediately if they haven’t yet come forward.

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“This includes anyone who has taken photographs or video footage of the incident to get in touch, as this could be invaluable in supporting our investigation.

“Our thoughts are with Alan’s loved ones at this very sad time.”

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