Updated: Man Who Died After Assault Outside Social Club Is Named

Published on: 4 Jan, 2015
Updated on: 4 Jan, 2015

The man who died during the early hours of Sunday morning (January 4) following an assault in Joseph’s Road, Guildford, has been named by police as Richard Stroud, aged 46, and from Guildford.

Another man, aged 32, has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident that took place on Saturday evening (January 3). He remains in police custody.

The scene outside Guildford City Social Club in Joseph’s Road on Sunday, January 4.

Police officers were called to Joseph’s Road at around 10pm after a report of a serious assault outside the Guildford City Social Club following a private function at the venue.

South East Coast Ambulance Service also attended the scene and a man in his 40s was taken to St George’s Hospital in Tooting with serious head injuries. At 4.55am this morning (Sunday, January 4) the injured man was pronounced dead.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Chief Inspector Paul Rymarz from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, said: “This was a tragic incident where a man has lost his life and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.

“Mr Stroud’s family and friends have asked for their privacy to be respected for time to grieve following his death and I would ask the media to please respect their wishes.”

Mr Stroud’s family are being supported by family liaison officers and information of organisations which can help anyone affected by an offence of this nature can be found on the Surrey Police website.

A post-mortem examination and formal identification are due to take place next week.

Det Chief Insp Rymarz added: “For all those who witnessed this incident it would have been distressing and no doubt the impact on the local community will be felt for some time. The Guildford Safer Neighbourhood team will be working with the local area following this horrific incident.

“I hope the quick arrest of a suspect goes some way to re-assure people that we are doing all we can to establish the full circumstances surrounding the offence.

“Although we have already spoken with a number of people who witnessed the assault and the events surrounding it I would still urge anyone who saw anything which may connect to come forward and share this information with us.

“Sometimes, people may wish to provide information anonymously and this can be done through the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

A number of enquiries including house-to-house and forensics are currently taking place in the vicinity of the offence.

A man in his 50s and a man in his 20s also suffered facial injuries during the incident.

Anyone who can assist detectives with their investigation is urged to contact Surrey Police on 101 quoting reference Operation Freyr. The independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.