Family pays tribute to dad-of-three killed in attack on night of England World Cup match

Tributes have been paid to a father-of-three who was allegedly murdered after an England World Cup game.

David Julian Williams, 49, was left seriously injured after two assaults outside pubs on the night of England’s match against Belgium on June 28 and died in hospital on Tuesday, July 3.

Four people have been arrested so far in relation to the incident, which happened in the seaside town of Brixham, and police are continuing to investigate.

Mr Williams’ heartbroken family paid tribute to the dad-of-three, saying his death had left the family “truly devastated”.

They said: “For us all, David’s death at 49 leaves a huge hole which can never be filled. He will be desperately missed by all his family and friends, always being remembered and in our hearts.”

They said Mr Williams was born and raised in Brixham and had fond memories of a “wonderful childhood”.

After leaving school, he went on to have an engineering career at telecoms company STC/Norte, as well as getting a First Class Engineering degree from Plymouth.

MORE: Five injured during the running of the bulls in Pamplona, Spain
MORE:

“During this happy time David and Polly were married and blessed with the birth of their three daughters,” the statement said.

“Following the closure of Nortel, David worked away for many years, maintaining the family home in Brixham and travelling back at weekends to see the family.

They added: “More recently, a new job allowed David to base himself back home in Brixham, giving him the opportunity to spend more time with his family, as well as returning to the golf he loved at Churston Golf Club.

“His golf gave him a huge amount of enjoyment and comradeship, and in a short time at Churston, he was gifted with a large number of valued friends with whom he enjoyed both the golf and socialising.”

Mr William’s death followed two assaults – the first just before midnight on Thursday, June 28 outside The Three Elms in Drew Street, Brixham, and the second outside the Crown and Anchor on Brixham Quayside.

After the assault and before Mr Williams’ death, police arrested a 23-year-old man from Brixham on suspicion of assault.

A 21-year-old man from Brixham was later arrested on suspicion of murder but both have been released under investigation pending further enquires.

On Friday (July 6) police made two further arrest,with two men, aged 27 and 29, both from Brixham, arrested on suspicion of murder.