Murder inquiry launched after Parkgate man dies in hospital following an assault

Feb 18 2009 by Sue McCann, Heswall News

A MURDER inquiry has been launched after a man died in hospital after being assaulted on a street when he confronted a pair of youths for shouting and swearing.

Alan Corney, 67, suffered a head injury after he was assaulted by one of the youths while walking home with his wife in Parkgate just before 9pm on November 14.

After he challenged the two hooded youths, the pair confronted him and one of them struck Mr Corney, knocking him to the ground.

He was treated for a fractured cheekbone days after the assault, but on December 7 he collapsed at home with a blood clot.

He spent weeks sedated in hospital and died on Friday, February 6.

His family said this week that they were “absolutely heartbroken”.

Two 14-year-old boys were interviewed under caution and inquiries are ongoing after the assault in The Parade, Parkgate.

In a statement, Mr Corney’s wife Norma, his daughter Alex and son Michael said: “We are absolutely heartbroken and beside ourselves with grief.

“We are distraught and sickened by the events surrounding his death and it will be a very long time before we can move forward as a family.

“We can only hope that his attacker is caught to prevent this happening to any other family.

“While we are grateful and overwhelmed at the immense show of support from friends and family at this difficult time, it would be appreciated if our desire for privacy at this most difficult time is respected.”