Off-Duty PC Who Died After Attack Named

A police officer who died in hospital 10 days after being knocked unconscious in an attack outside a Wolverhampton nightclub has been named by West Midlands Police.

PC Chris Findley was on a night out on January 28 when he was involved in a row with a group of people who had just left Divine Bar in Darlington Street.

During a scuffle, the 33-year-old from Wolverhampton was punched and left in the road with a serious head injury. He was taken to hospital but died on Thursday night.

A post mortem examination will now be carried out to determine the exact cause of his death.

His colleagues have paid tribute to the officer, who joined the force in 2003 and was based in Sandwell, as a "selfless and humble man".

Chief Inspector Paul Betts said: "The majority of his time with the force was spent serving the communities of Smethwick as a valued member of the Neighbourhood Police Team. More recently he was part of a dedicated, proactive team delivering targeted policing to priority areas.

"He is fondly described by his colleagues as a selfless and humble man, always watching out for those in need of cheering up, which he achieved through his warm, infectious personality and sense of humour. Chris was a proactive, hard-working officer who was a credit to the service and the communities of Sandwell.

"Chris will be sadly missed by all that knew him and our thoughts and condolences go out to his close friends and family at this difficult time," he added.

Detective Inspector Phil Asquith, of West Midlands Police, appealed for anyone who saw the attack, including revellers and taxi drivers, to come forward.

"At the time they may have written it off as a low-level disorder but it's a very serious assault," he said.

An 18-year-old man and two women arrested by police investigating the attack have been bailed until March while enquiries continue.

:: Anyone with information is asked to contact West Midlands Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.