A man from Greater Manchester has been arrested after a 'kind' dad-of-two died following an altercation outside a nightclub. Officers were called out to an incident outside the Glow nightclub, in Lancaster, at 4.30am on Sunday (June 12).
Joshua Hughes was reportedly involved in an incident which caused him to fall and hit his head on the ground. The 22-year-old, from Morecambe, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition.
Despite the best efforts of medics, Joshua died this morning (June 16), Lancs Live reports. A 31-year-old man from Leigh has been arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault and bailed pending further enquiries, Lancashire Constabulary confirmed.
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Josh’s friends and former colleagues at Edmundson’s furniture in Morecambe have paid tribute to a ‘funny’ and ‘kind’ dad who they said ‘wouldn’t harm a fly.’ A fundraising appeal has been set up for funeral costs.
The friend told said: “He would do no harm to anyone and wouldn’t harm a fly. He had a bit of everything about him. He was hard working, very family orientated, and would do anything for his girlfriend and sister and kids. He had two young children.”
He said Josh worked in the warehouse - loading and unloading wagons - and had a lot of friends from school who had been devastated by his death. He added: “I don’t really know too much about what happened, but he was a devoted dad and he lived in Morecambe. It’s scary how this kind of thing can happen; I don’t know what happened or how it happened
“It makes younger people scared; I have a young child now, eight month old, and I wouldn’t ever go out now. It’s scary for kids growing up and it’s not going to make them want to go out and enjoy the nightlife that they should enjoy.
"The only word for it is shocking.” Joshua had been rushed to Royal Preston Hospital where he had two emergency surgeries on his brain, and was left fighting for his life in a coma.
A statement on the Gofundme page read: “He has a loving family, girlfriend and two young children that have been left behind full of heartbreak and sadness over someone else’s actions. We are asking for donations, no matter how big or small, which will go towards helping cover his funeral costs and give support to his family, girlfriend and young children through the challenging times ahead.”
There has also been an outpouring of tributes on social media. Many were left ‘devastated,’ praising a ‘lovely lad,’ who would be ‘sorely missed.’
Lauren Woodruff posted: “Can’t even believe what I’m reading, RIP Josh Hughes, sending so much love to… family," and Vickie Bleasdale said: “That’s devastating… thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Claire Riley wrote: “Thoughts go out to all family and friends.” Jack Coulton posted: “Rest in peace Josh Hughes, gone far too soon; thinking of Josh’s family."
Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident. A woman who police earlier appealed to trace has now been identified.
DCI Jane Webb, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “This incident has resulted in a young man losing his life and my thoughts are with his loved ones at this incredibly difficult time. They continue to be supported by specially trained officers.
“I would appeal to anyone with information to come forward and speak to us. If you can help, please get in touch." Anyone with information should call Lancashire police on 101 quoting log 279 of June 12. To view the Go Fund Me page set up by friends of Josh Hughes, click here
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