Pictured: ‘Devoted’ grandfather, 66, who died after being punched outside village pub – just days before Christmas

The family of the hotel employee who was attacked and killed in front of the village bar paid tribute to the ‘sacrificing’ father and grandfather.

David Darke, 66, known as Dave to family and friends, died in hospital with head injuries on Saturday, six days after he was punched outside The Crown Public House in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire.

A 36-year-old man, initially arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm, was later re-arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

In a statement released on Sunday, Mr Darke’s family said he was ‘a much-loved father to three girls and a proud grandfather to three boys’.

They said: ‘He was a much-loved brother and dear friend. Dave will live on in our hearts, minds and souls forever.

‘He was a strong, active, intelligent and kind person who was a friend to everyone.

‘He was a devoted family man with a deep passion for life, nature, outdoors and walking.

‘His life was cut tragically short and he has now been reunited with his loving, caring parents.

‘He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.’

Mr Darke was punched outside The Crown Inn in Appleby Magna, Leicestershire, on December 21, less than half a mile from his home in the village.

A neighbour, who asked not to be named, said Mr Darke worked at a local hotel and was a “very nice guy”.

He lived alone in a stylish bungalow in the picturesque village on the edge of the National Forest.

His neighbor said: ‘It’s so sad. He was a very nice man. Everybody was so shocked.’

Emergency services were first called to Church Street in Appleby Magna just before 9.45pm on Sunday, December 21.

Mr Darke died at the Queen’s Medical Center in Nottingham on Saturday.

Leicestershire police said the investigation into Mr Darke’s death, led by the East Midlands Special Operations Unit (EMSOU), was ongoing.

Officers have appealed for anyone who can help but has not yet spoken to police to come forward.

Citizens living in the village expressed their sadness.

Chris Adams, 71, who lives next door to the pub, was at home on the evening of the attack.

He told LeicestershireLive: ‘We didn’t hear or see anything at the time. We just heard the news and it’s so sad.

‘We’ve been here 24 years and it’s very unusual for something like this to happen.

‘We were shocked because it’s such a quiet village and such a nice pub.

The hostess of ‘The Crown’ is doing a great job. ‘The pub is at the heart of the community and we’ve never heard of any problems there.’

Millie Newall, 21, who lives a few doors down from The Crown, said: ‘Dad was walking the dog when it happened and he was the one who called the ambulance.

‘It’s pretty scary. But such things happen. ‘This is a quiet village and it’s very strange that something like this could happen here.’

Paul and Julie Sambrook have lived in the village for five years. Mr Sambrook said: ‘This happened completely out of the blue.

‘You don’t feel any atmosphere in any of the bars in the village. It’s a friendly, welcoming drinking place.’

Ms Sambrook added: ‘This is quite shocking. This is completely against the character of the village. “We’ve never encountered anything like this before.”