Afghanistan homecoming hero dies after attack in the street

David Grout, 22, who was stationed at Catterick, North Yorkshire, had been enjoying a low-key homecoming celebration with his parents and looking forward to a reunion with his wife and child when two men confronted him outside the Eston Institute Club in Teesside last Tuesday.

A 19-year-old from the Eston area of Middlesbrough who handed himself in to Cleveland Police was arrested in connection with the incident and has been released on bail.

A Cleveland Police spokesman said the soldier died shortly before lunch time today.

He had been in a critical condition at the James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Dave Mead, for Cleveland Police, said: "Our thoughts are with his family, Kerry his wife and Harley his son at this sad time."

Witnesses saw Signalman Grout confronted by two men outside the working men's club, police said.

After a brief conversation, one threw a punch at the soldier, who fell to the ground and suffered serious head injuries.

The soldier, who serves with the 204 Signals Regiment and is based at Catterick Garrison in North Yorkshire, was taken to hospital where he was put into an induced coma to stabilise his condition.

His family, including his wife and 20-month-old son remained by his bedside.

The teenager who was arrested contacted police after an appeal for witnesses to the attack.

Mr Grout, who joined the Army straight after leaving school, had recently returned from the frontline in Helmand province, his grandfather, Bryan Grout, 74, said.