A man who died in hospital after he was attacked near a parade of shops in Ashford has been named as Barry Collins.

Detectives launched a murder inquiry after the dad, who was in his 40s and from Hothfield, died last month.

The attack happened on a grassy area near the Co-op off Brookfield Road at about 8.30pm on Thursday, December 21.

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Mr Collins was rushed to King’s College Hospital in London but he died on Saturday, December 30.

A post-mortem examination was carried out last week but further tests are needed to determine the cause of death.

On New Year’s Eve, officers in Bexleyheath arrested a 30-year-old man from the Ashford area on suspicion of murder.

He has been bailed until Friday, January 26, pending further inquiries.

After the incident, police tape surrounded the patch of grass which was behind the parade of shops and in front of homes on a neighbouring housing estate.

One resident said about 15 police cars and three ambulances were at the scene.

A police spokesman said the victim suffered a medical episode but the ambulance service said he had a serious head injury.

Anyone with information about the attack in south Ashford should call police on 01843 222289, quoting reference number ZY/063177/17.