Simon Dobbin: Roots Hall posters call for witnesses to 2015 attack

The posters have been put up ahead of Southend United’s first home game of the season.

Simon, who was a Cambridge United fan, died in October last year five years after sustaining permanent brain damage following an assault.

He was attacked in East Street after the blues’ home game against Cambridge United on March 21, 2015.

Earlier this week a report from a post-mortem examination identified a link between the assault and Simon’s death.

Police are now investigating to see if we can identify who was responsible.

Acting Det Supt Stephen Jennings, who’s leading the investigation, said: “I know there will be people who were at the game in March 2015 who saw what happened to Simon.

“I need them to come forward and speak to my team and I would urge them to do so even if they spoke to officers who investigated the assault at the time.

“If you’re going to Roots Hall this weekend to watch Southend’s game, you’ll see posters up around the ground appealing for information.

“Simon’s story has touched people across the country. It is an absolute tragedy we need to get justice for him and his family.”

A total of 12 men were jailed for violent disorder and public order offences for the attack on Simon. 

If you have any information about what happened to Simon please call police on 101 or report it at www.essex.police.uk.

You can also use the ‘Live Chat’ button and speak to an online operator between 7am and 11pm.

Alternatively you can contact Crimestoppers and you will stay 100 percent anonymous.

Crimestoppers won’t ask your name or any personal details, they won’t record your call and your number won’t be displayed.

When information is passed from Crimestoppers to the police, it doesn’t contain any information which could identify you.

Call 0800 555111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.