A FAMILY have paid tribute to their ‘hero’ father, partner and brother who died following an alleged attack in south Essex.

Police have named Craig North as the victim of the incident in Feenan Highway, Tilbury, back on January 2.

He was reportedly assaulted around 9.45pm and rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Mr North, 35, died in hospital around a week later.

His family have now paid a touching tribute, labelling him their “hero”.

They said: “Craig was a loving and devoted father, partner, son, brother, uncle, son in law and friend.

“He was loved by so many.

“He will always be in our hearts and never forgotten. You are our warrior.”

Darnel Curtin, of Chesterton Way, Tilbury, has been charged with attempted murder in connection with the assault.

The 19-year-old is next due to appear at Basildon Crown Court on 3 February.

Essex Police has upgraded its investigation to a homicide enquiry in the wake of Mr North’s death.

Anyone with information can contact police online or on 101 and should quote incident 975 of January 2.

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.