Tribute paid to ‘much-loved’ musician who died after suspected assault

A tribute has been paid to a pub musician who died after a suspected street attack.

Bill Witham was rushed to hospital in a life-threatening condition after emergency services discovered him unconscious in Lower Lane, in the village of Hullbridge.

Essex Police believe the 68-year-old was assaulted outside a property in Rochford at about 5.30am on September 12.

Despite doctors’ best efforts, he died in hospital two weeks later.