A COMMUNITY is coming to terms with the death of a family man who suffered serious injuries during an assault at a petrol station two days earlier.

Police arrested a 15-year-old boy after Thomas Mallaby was fatally attacked on the forecourt at the Esso garage on Morrison Road in Annfield Plain, Stanley.

The incident involving Mr Mallaby, who was 40, and lived locally, happened at 2.40am on Sunday.

The following day, as part of the police investigation, officers arrested the teenage suspect on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Mr Mallaby, who had been taken to the Royal Victoria Infirmary in Newcastle for treatment, died from his injuries on Tuesday.

His body has now been examined by a Home Office pathologist as part of the preparations for an inquest which will be carried out by a coroner.

Read more: Boy, 15, arrested after fatal attack at petrol station

A spokesman for Durham Constabulary said: “A post-mortem examination took place last night and the findings confirmed Mr Mallaby’s injuries were consistent with a physical assault.

“Our officers are continuing to support his family who are understandably devastated by his tragic loss and our inquiries are continuing.”

The young suspect was interviewed by detectives and released on bail before Mr Mallaby’s death.

On Wednesday, Detective Superintendent Dave Ashton, who is leading the investigation, said although the attack took place at a petrol station it is not thought to have been connected to the current fuel supply crisis.

He also said the force was not looking for anyone else in connection with the ‘truly tragic’ incident.

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News of the death has sent shockwaves through the community of Annfield Plain.

Helen Rutherford, 67, of Durham Road, who lives a few hundred yards from the garage, said: “People in the village will be shocked about this. It is so close. It is just down the road. It is quite terrifying. It is dreadful.”

One woman, who has lived in the village for 15 years, said: “It is very sad for something like this to happen.

“I just cannot imagine what the family of the man is going through."

One man, who did not want to be identified, said: “It is a very sad thing that has happened and for his family it will be horrible. It is very shocking with it being so local.”

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