DETECTIVES have passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration after the investigation into Simon Dobbin’s death was upgraded to a murder probe.

Simon Dobbin was left with permanent brain damage following the attack in Station Road, Westcliff, after Southend United played Cambridge United on March 21, 2015.

In total, 13 people were convicted and 12 were jailed in connection with the incident.

However, after Mr Dobbin, a Cambridge fan who travelled to Southend for the match, died aged 48 on October 21, 2020, medical tests showed there was a direct link between his death and the injuries he had sustained.

A murder probe was launched by Essex Police, and four men were arrested by Essex Police in June 2022, before being released under investigation.

Essex Police have confirmed the four men remain released under investigation, however a file has been passed to the Crown Prosecution Service to consider charges.

Martin Terry, councillor responsible for community safety, and also a Southend United fan, said: “It is a very sad case for anyone to go to a sporting event and end up in that position.

“It is not acceptable and this behaviour has to be stamped out wherever it is.

“The family had a level of justice up until Simon Dobbin sadly passed away in 2020.

“Now police are taking a different view on the case as he has passed away. I can’t comment on that at the moment, but I wish the family the best and I hope they get the justice they deserve.”

Earlier this year, Simon’s wife Nicole Dobbin revealed her family still “struggle every day” as the murder investigation continues.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Four men arrested in connection with the death of Simon Dobbin remain released under investigation.

“Detectives have passed a file to the Crown Prosecution Service for consideration.”

Initially, nine men were found guilty of violent disorder, three of conspiracy to commit violent disorder and one of assisting an offender.