Parents pay tribute paid to street attack victim

1:33pm Wednesday 25th April 2007

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THE parents of a Harlow man who died a week after being attacked in the town have paid tribute to their "hard working" son who leaves so many friends.

Police have launched a murder investigation after Lee Clark, 25, died from head and facial injuries after he was assaulted outside Bar 21, better known as CM20 in the town centre shortly after midnight on Sunday, April 15.

He died at Queen's Hospital, Romford, on Sunday (April 22).

Since leaving school Mr Clark, who leaves parents Tina and Kevin, brother Ricky, 27, sister Chelsea, 16, and partner Anna Wright, 26 - who he met on New Year's Eve four months ago - had worked for local builder Steve Bothwell as a bricklayer.

He had hoped to one day set up his own business with Anna.

Mr Clark had played for Leyton Orient as a goalkeeper at the age of 14 and had been the Harlow and West Essex goalkeeper of the year. More recently he was nominated for the Harlow and District Football League representative squad but because of injury was unable to qualify.

A keen darts player, he enjoyed playing with friends in the White Horse pub, Old Harlow.

His parents, who thanked police and staff at Queen's Hospital for their support, said: "Lee was hard working and had so many friends. We really cannot believe he has gone. We urge anybody who has information that may assist the police investigation to contact the investigating officers."

Mr Clark's partner, Anna, said: "Lee was my soulmate. We had so much to look forward too together and now he is gone I feel so alone. Lee was so considerate he really would do anything to help. He called me his princess', treated me like a princess and made me feel like a princess. I feel so lost without him."

Mr Bothwell said: "I shall miss Lee, he was a grafter. He had a appetite for work and was a great bloke to have around. He would have gone far. He was a first class, dedicated bricklayer and a great member of the team."

Mr Clark had recently completed a health and safety training course at Harlow College where tutors said he was capable of becoming a site manager.

Donations in Mr Clark's memory can be made to the neuro intensive care unit at Queen's Hospital, Romford.

Colin Ansell, 28, a supervisor, of Pittmansfield, Harlow, has been remanded in custody by Harlow magistrates charged with one count of grievous bodily harm with intent.

Senior investigating officer Tim Wills is now to liaise with the Crown Prosecution Service to discuss whether fresh charges are appropriate.