A MAN has died in hospital after suffering serious head wounds in an alleged assault outside a city centre pub.

William George Smith, 62, was hurt in the incident in York late last Friday night and died in Leeds General Infirmary on Tuesday.

Yesterday detectives re-arrested a middle-aged man who was last night being questioned at York's Fulford Road police station.

Mr Smith, of Cemetery Road, York, was injured outside the entrance of Yates's Wine Lodge, in Low Ousegate, York.

Neighbours spoke of their shock at his death.

One said Mr Smith had been a quiet man who had never caused any problems, saying: "It's a terrible thing."

Mr Smith is believed to have worked in the racing industry until two years ago.

He suffered serious head injuries during an incident which took place close to the doors of Yates's Wine Lodge at about 11pm.

Paramedics took Mr Smith to hospital, where his condition was at first described as critical. Police later sealed off the area for forensic examination.

Officers have renewed an appeal for witnesses to the incident. Anyone with information is asked to call York CID on (01904) 669570.