A DOG-walker in his 60s has tragically died after being assaulted as he took his pooch for a stroll in Essex.
A 47-year-old man from Basildon has been arrested on suspicion of murder after initially being brought in on suspicion of GBH.
Police say the victim had been walking his dog at around 2am on Wednesday morning when he was attacked at Malyons Mews in the Pitsea area by a man "known to him."
He suffered a head injury which worsened throughout the day before he was rushed to hospital – where his condition continued to deteriorate.
The dog walker then sadly passed away in the wake of the early morning attack.
Senior Investigating Officer, Julie Gowen, said: "Tragically, I can now confirm the victim of this assault has now died and my thoughts and the thoughts of everyone in my team are with his family and friends.
"The investigation is fast-moving and my team are working tirelessly to establish what happened in the lead up to the assault and the hours after it.
"Incidents such as this will understandably cause concern within the community. This is not being treated as a random attack.
"We believe the person who carried out this attack and the victim were known to each other and there is no wider threat to the public.
"I would also reiterate my earlier appeal for anyone who may have witnessed the assault of a dog walker in the Pitsea area at about 2am on Wednesday morning to come forward and speak to my team."
The 47-year-old suspect remains in custody for questioning.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information on it should call police on 101 and cite incident 1522 from September 15.
Information can also be given to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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