THE family of a man fatally attacked outside a Sedgley pub as he went to the aid of another man being assaulted have urged the offenders or anyone who knows them are to contact police.
Reece Cox, aged 24, was in Bull Ring just before midnight on Saturday night when it is believed he intervened as a man was being assaulted.
He was then violently punched and kicked and, despite the efforts of paramedics, pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Cox’s family have been left devastated at his tragic death and said in a statement released by police: "Reece was a great son, partner and dad; a gentle giant who was loved by everybody.
"We plead with anybody who knows who or where the offenders are to do the right thing and contact the police straight away."
Detectives say they have identified several men who they want to question over the fatal assault.
Arrest attempts have already been made at addresses known to the men and efforts continue to bring them into custody, police said this evening (Monday) as they warned anyone helping them to lie low risks being arrested.
Detective Inspector Laura Harrison, from the force Homicide Unit, said: "We know who these men are and it’s only a matter of time before we make arrests. I’m urging them to get in touch, to come and speak to us, so we can hear their side of the story.
"We’re still working to understand what happened. It appears there was a dispute over something which quickly escalated with tragic consequences.
"Anyone found helping these men, providing them with accommodation, giving them money or helping them move around, is committing a criminal offence.
"A young man has lost his life and everyone should be rallying around to help find the people responsible and bring them to justice."
A post mortem examination was carried out today (August 17) and further tests will be needed to identify the precise cause of death, a police spokesman said.
Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact police via Live Chat at www.west-midlands.police.uk or call 101 and quote crime number 20DY/194445N/20. To remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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