A grandfather and former Royal Engineer has died following an assault outside his home as police said they had arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of murder.
Frank Fishwick, 86, was left with facial injuries following an assault near his home in Preston on Friday at 3pm.
Police found Mr Fishwick with a broken nose and he was taken to hospital, where he died the following day. A post-mortem examination concluded that his cause of death was due to the injuries he sustained during the assault.
Lancashire Police launched a murder probe and a 19-year-old man was arrested on Sunday in relation to the grandfather’s death.
Police investigating Mr Fishwick’s death have released a picture and family tribute to the pensioner, who served in the Army Royal Corps of Engineers – commonly known as the Sappers.
A statement from his family paid tribute to his humour which “brought cheer to many”.
“An adored father and grandfather who will be sadly missed by family and friends,” they said.
“He served in the Army Royal Corps of Engineers and committed his working life to Leyland Motors.
“He was well-liked by his friends, offered a helping hand when needed and his humour brought cheer to many.
“Our thanks are extended to Lancashire Police, who are working tirelessly to bring justice to an unforgivable act of violence.”
Teenager in custody
Detective Chief Inspector Allen Davies, of Lancashire Police, said: “First and foremost my thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this extremely distressing time.
“I appreciate this incident will cause residents a great deal of concern and we have increased reassurance patrols in the area. There are also officers carrying out door-to-door inquiries.”
A police spokesperson added: “We are continuing to appeal for witnesses and asking anybody who witnessed the assault or who has any information at all that they think might help to get in contact with the police.
“Our thoughts remain with Mr Fishwick’s family at this distressing time.
“We were called at around 3pm on Friday (Sept 10) to The Paddock, Fulwood, following a report of an assault.
“Officers attended and found a man in his 80s with a facial injury. He was later taken to hospital for treatment but sadly died yesterday morning.
“A post mortem examination found the cause of death to be as a consequence of his facial injuries.
“A murder investigation was launched and following a number of enquiries, a 19-year-old man from Preston has today been arrested on suspicion of murder. He is currently in custody.
“Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 0879 of Sept 10, 2021.”
Michael Forshaw wrote on Facebook that he worked with Mr Fishwick at Leyland Motors and knew him for more than 35 years. He described him as “such a lovely guy” and added: “My heart goes out to his family.”
Kerry Hughes Wright wrote: “Frank was a lovely man who did not deserve to end his days this way. What an utterly despicable thing for anyone to do to anyone, let alone an 86-year-old man.”
