FUNDS have started to pour in for the family of a man who died more than one week after being assaulted.

Iain Lee, of Newton Aycliffe, died at lunchtime on Wednesday in James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough.

The 31-year-old had been in hospital since the early hours of Saturday, September 8, when he suffered serious head injuries during an incident near The Roundhouse bar in the town.

Now an online appeal has been set up on Go Fund Me to help raise £1,000 to help Mr Lee's family.

Gemma Allen, who set up the page, wrote: "This is the most horrific thing anyone should have to go through, Iain was genuinely the nicest guy you could possibly ever wish to meet, he was so gentle, loving, everyone's friend, always full of life.

"Never without a smile on his face, he is going to be missed by so many.

"I'm setting up this go fund me in a bid to raise funds to help towards funeral costs or anything the family need to help them through this horrific, saddest of times.

"Their hearts are shattered so if we can help take away some of the pressure it would be greatly appreciated. Please donate anything however small, thank you."

In the last 12 hours since its launch, the funding page has garnered 13 donations, totalling £165.

Among those to donate was Emma Hindmarch, who said: "Such a gorgeous soul. Will miss your infectious smile. So sad. Too young."

And donor Kirsty Wilson said: "I can't begin to imagine the stress and pain Iain's family are experiencing.

"No parent should ever have to lay their child to rest.

"Funerals are stressful and very costly, every donation might help ease this stress so the family can grieve."

Nathan Robbie Buckland, a 24-year-old from Lumley Close, in Newton Aycliffe, was arrested in connection with the incident earlier this month.

He was subsequently charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm with intent and appeared before Newton Aycliffe Magistrates' Court on Monday, September 10.

No plea was entered at the hearing and magistrates remanded him in custody to appear before Durham Crown Court on Friday, October 12.

Durham Constabulary last night said further consultation was expected to take place over the coming days between detectives investigating the case and the Crown Prosecution Service ahead of the next scheduled court appearance.

In the meantime enquiries into the incident are continuing.

Detective Superintendent Victoria Fuller said: “On behalf of the whole enquiry team I would like to express our sincere condolences to Mr Lee’s family.

“Our enquiries will, of course, continue and we will be seeking a review of the charges in light of today’s tragic development.

“We would also like to renew our appeal for witnesses to this incident to come forward, in particular anyone who actually saw the incident on the night which could assist our enquiry."

Anyone with information is asked to call Durham police on 101, quoting incident number 46 of September 8.

Donate to the fund here.