Five men arrested on suspicion of murdering Simon Dobbin

Cambridge United supporter Simon Dobbin was assaulted after the match at Southend United in March 2015

Five men have been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a football fan who died five years after he was attacked following a match.

Cambridge United supporter Simon Dobbin, from Mildenhall in Suffolk, was assaulted after the match at Southend United in March 2015 and left with permanent brain damage.

He died in October 2020, aged 48.

Essex Police said five men, aged 27, 30, 34, 39, 45, were detained earlier at addresses across south Essex.

Mr Dobbin was left unable to walk, talk or move independently after being attacked in Station Approach, Southend.

Det Supt Stephen Jennings, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said the arrests were made after investigations showed "a direct, causal link to the injuries [Mr Dobbin] sustained".

"Simon's wife, Nicole, and their daughter Emily have been kept updated on our progress every step of the way," he said.

"Simon was a completely innocent party in the disorder that took place that day and his family have been through an unimaginable time.

"The injuries Simon sustained that day did not just change his life, they also changed the lives of Nicole and Emily.

"As a team, we will do everything we possibly can to secure justice for Nicole, Emily and Simon's wider family and friends."

Essex Police began investigating "who was responsible" for Mr Dobbin's death after it was linked to his injuries

In 2017, 13 people were convicted and sentenced in connection with the attack on Mr Dobbin.

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

Police said medical tests later showed there was a direct link between his death and the injuries he had sustained, and officers opened a murder inquiry.

Det Supt Stephen Jennings said Simon Dobbin's family were being kept updated on the investigation

In November, a £20,000 reward was offered by police investigating the death.

The force said a number of people are being treated as witnesses and are also being questioned.

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