A post mortem has found a football fan who was attacked by a group of hooligans in Southend found there was a link between the attack and his death. 

Simon Dobbin, who was attacked at a Southend United match in 2015 and left permanently brain damaged and paralysed, died in October last year. 

Mr Dobbin, a beloved Cambridge United fan, passed away at his home, five years after the attack.

Detectives investigating his death have received the results of a post mortem which took place last year which show there is a causal link between the attack and his death.

Read more >> Football fan Simon Dobbin dies five years after horrific attack in Southend

Simon, 48, was left with permanent brain damage after being assaulted in East Street following a match between Cambridge and Southend United.

Twelve men were convicted and sentenced in connection with the incident.

A forensic post-mortem carried out has identified a link between the assault and Simon’s death.

Echo: Simon, left, with wife NicoleSimon, left, with wife Nicole

Acting Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We have received the final report following the post-mortem examination and it shows pathologically there was a causal link between the assault Simon was subjected to, and his death.

“We will now carry out an investigation to see if we can directly and evidentially show who was responsible for his death.

“I know Simon’s story has touched the lives of many people and we are supporting his family.

“My thoughts are with his friends and loved ones.”