Simon Dobbin: Football fan dies five years after hooligan attack

A football fan who suffered horrific injuries when he was attacked by opposition hooligans in 2015 has died.

Simon Dobbin, 48, was left brain-damaged in the assault after a match in Southend, Essex, five years ago.

The Cambridge United fan died in his sleep at his home in Mildenhall, Suffolk, in the early hours of Wednesday, his wife Nicole said.

Essex Police will now "review the initial investigation", a spokesman said.

Mrs Dobbin said her husband's death had come as a shock, as he had been "his usual self, laughing and smiling the day before".

Mr Dobbin was left unable to walk, talk or move independently when he was attacked after a match against Southend on 21 March 2015.

Twelve men were jailed in July 2017 in connection with the assault.

Det Ch Insp Martin Pasmore, who led the investigation into the attack, said the men were like a "pack of animals".

In a statement, Det Ch Insp Stephen Jennings, of Essex Police, said: "Our thoughts go to Simon's family and friends at this very difficult time.

"We will review the initial investigation to establish whether we need to take any further action."

Mr Dobbin's family have been campaigning for the introduction of "Simon's Law", to force lifelong payments to the NHS by people convicted of violent disorder.

In February, Mrs Dobbin said Justice Secretary Robert Buckland told her the idea was unpractical but said he may look at charging violent offenders for their jail stays.

A petition has garnered more than 49,000 signatures.

Mr Dobbin's plight came to national attention after his home was adapted and transformed by the BBC's DIY SOS team. The show aired in January 2019.

Presenter Nick Knowles tweeted a tribute to Mr Dobbin's family who "put everything aside to care for him".

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