Murder inquiry launched after soldier Andrew Gibson, 19 died from punch to head (From The Northern Echo)

Murder inquiry launched after soldier Andrew Gibson, 19 died from punch to head

8:08am Saturday 19th December 2009 in

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THE grieving parents of a teenage soldier who died after being punched in the head in a North-East nightclub have paid tribute to their “precious”

son.

A murder inquiry has been launched following the death of Andrew Gibson, 19, who was due to begin his first tour of Afghanistan next month.

He was out with friends in Darlington for the first time last Friday night when an assault in Escapade nightclub, Gladstone Street, left him unconcious near the dance floor.

An ambulance crew, escorted by police, rushed Andrew to The James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where he remained on a life support machine for six days.

He died on Thursday when, as medics attempted to release a build up of blood on his brain, he had a heart attack and died on the operating table.

Two 16-year-olds and a 17- year-old, all from the Darlington area, have been arrested and bailed in connection with the incident.

Last night, Andrew’s parents, Freddy and Linda, from Cumbernauld, near Glasgow, said their Christmas had been cancelled following the death of their only son.

Mr Gibson said: “If anything was going to happen to Andrew, we thought it could happen in Afghanistan. We never ever thought it would be Darlington.”

Mrs Gibson said: “We could not have had a more precious son. Andrew was wonderful, and we have only good memories.

We’ve cancelled Christmas in this house.

“We hadn’t planned anything special. Andrew was a quiet lad who didn’t like any fuss. He never liked being the centre of attention.

“But we had planned a big party when he returned from Afghanistan. He was due to leave in January for six months.”

Andrew, who was based at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, had wanted to join the Army since he was 14, said his father.

“He was the sharp-shooter of his platoon and had won medals for his shooting,” he said. “He loved the Army.”

The couple had just finished buying Andrew’s Christmas presents, a video games console and the shirt of his favourite football club – Rangers.

Last night, police questioned clubbers at Escapade in an effort to trace witnesses.

The 12 detectives working on the case are convinced that some of the 300 people present at the time of the attack will have seen or heard something.

Detective Superintendent Neil Malkin said: “Andrew was a young man with his life in front of him. He is now dead and it is only right that everybody should help in this investigation.”

Officers are also examining CCTV footage.

“It is vital any witnesses at the nightclub on Friday, into Saturday morning, come forward.

They may think it is insignificant, but it is vital they get in touch,” said Det Supt Malkin.

Police do not expect reprisals as a result of the attack. A spokesman said: “There is nothing to suggest Andrew was targeted because he was a soldier, and nothing to suggest there will be any other bother.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 0345-60- 60-365 or 0800-555-111.