POLICE are calling on Southend United fans to help them with an incident which left a Cambridge United fan fighting for his life.

Simon Dobbin, 42, of Mildenhall, Suffolk, was left with serious head injuries after being attacked in East Street while walking back to Prittlewell train station more than two hours after the match at Roots Hall finished on March 21.

It is unclear who attacked Mr Dobbin but police have said he was a completely innocent victim.

They printed the appeal for information in a Blues’ matchday programme.

It came just days after Cambridge United chairman Dave Doggett wrote in his club’s own programme about a group of about ten men in their fifties and sixties who have returned to following the club and are arranging fights with rival fans on matchdays.

Rob Craven, of the Shrimpers Trust, said he didn’t believe the bad old days of hooliganism were making a return.

He said: “I am not aware of anyone coming forward with any information, but it’s a horrible thing to have happened and I think our club has done what they can to help.

“We obviously don’t know all the details, the police haven’t said the attackers were Southend fans but it’s not something you want happening near your club, or at all.

“We are not a club that has a history of violence and I always feel safe.”

Mr Dobbin remains in Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, in an induced coma after the attack which saw him knocked unconscious.

Fay Meen, whose daughter Elise set up a fundraising page for Mr Dobbin and his family, posted on the page that it would now be closed after it had raised more than £10,000.

The money will be used to help with transport and accommodation costs for his family.

She said: “Thank you to each and every one of you.

“We continue to pray for Simon’s recovery, he is a fighter for sure and proved this numerous times over the past two weeks.

“Thank you again, we are all praying for a miracle and hope to show Simon all his messages of goodwill very soon on #prayfordobbo”