Murder probe launched after charity worker dies following city centre attack
COLLEAGUE AND FRIEND: A montage of images of Martin Chadburn released by Hull 4 Heroes
By Rick Lyon, Co-Editor
A murder investigation has been launched after a man who was attacked in Hull city centre died from his injuries.
Martin Chadburn, 53, died in hospital following the assault in the Queen Victoria Square area during the early hours of Sunday, April 19.
Humberside Police were called at around 3.40am by a member of the public reporting an altercation between a group of people, which led to Mr Chadburn suffering a life-threatening head injury.
He was rushed to hospital, where he remained in a critical condition until he died this morning.
Six people have been arrested. Three women, two aged 20 and one aged 21, and two men, aged 27 and 34, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are being held in police custody. A 49-year-old woman who was earlier arrested on suspicion of attempted murder has been released on conditional bail.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Murphy, said: “This is a tragic incident in which Martin has lost his life, and our deepest condolences are with his family, loved ones and colleagues.
“My team are continuing to conduct extensive enquiries, and I recognise the work of officers and staff who have acted quickly to progress this investigation and make a number of arrests, as we establish exactly what has happened and the circumstances surrounding the Martin’s death.
“We know the concern this will cause across the community. I would like to thank members of the public for their help, and those who have come forward and assisted us with our enquiries so far.
“An increased police presence can be expected in the area, and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to come and speak to them.
“If anyone has any information, no matter how small, which could be the vital piece of information we need to further our investigation, then I would urge them to come forward.”
Mr Chadburn was a member of the Hull 4 Heroes charity.
Paul Matson, CEO of Hull 4 Heroes, said: “It is extremely difficult to put into words how profoundly shocked and saddened we are at the loss of our colleague and friend, Martin Chadburn.
“Martin – a veteran of nine years’ service, has been a part of Hull 4 Heroes since day one, first as a volunteer and then as an employee.
“To say he embodied the spirit and values of the charity is an understatement.
“Martin was the type of person who would drop everything to help anyone and during his time with Hull 4 Heroes. He made a real and positive difference to the lives of many veterans and former military personnel.
“He will be greatly missed by us all, and we would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
“Although many people will be appalled and angered by Martin’s death, we ask that the police are given the time and space needed to do their job so justice can take its right and proper course. We believe that is what Martin would have wanted.”
Anyone with any information that could help the police investigation, including CCTV, mobile phone or dashcam footage from the area around the time of the attack, is asked to call the non-emergency number 101, quoting crime reference 26*52263. Alternatively, information can be reported anonymously via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.