Witness Appeal Following Sudden Death Of 44-Year-Old Man

Friday, 2 September 2022 15:33

Police are appealing for information following the sudden death of a 44-year-old man who had previously been assaulted in Brighton.

Anthony Barrigan and a woman he was with were assaulted in Windsor Street at around 10.30pm on Saturday, June 18.

He suffered serious injuries for which he was treated in hospital. He later moved to Birmingham to continue his recovery but died six weeks later.

Enquiries are now ongoing to determine whether the injuries Anthony suffered in the assault contributed to his death.

Two men aged 30 and 50 were arrested after the assault on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm and released under investigation. They have since been re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remain in custody at this time.

Senior investigating officer DCI Simon Dunn said:

“Our thoughts are with Anthony’s family and friends at this difficult time. His death was sudden and unexpected, and we are working hard to establish whether it came as a result of the injuries he suffered in the assault six weeks earlier.

“Members of the public can expect to see an increased police presence in the area of Windsor Street while we carry out further enquiries. If you have any concerns, questions or information that may assist our investigation, please speak to an officer or get in touch by calling 101.”

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who witnessed the assault and in particular, two people who are thought to have been speaking with Anthony and the female victim moments before the assault took place and reported their concerns to Sussex Police.

Anyone with information, or who may have captured any relevant mobile phone, CCTV or doorbell footage from the vicinity, is asked to contact police online or by calling 101 quoting Operation Eastern.

Alternatively, information can be passed to police anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.