THE investigating officer leading an inquiry into the murder of Grzegorz Beyer has urged witnesses to come forward - for the sake of the man's devastated family.
Detective Chief Inspector Jeremy Carter, of the Brunel Major Crime Investigation Team, issued the appeal from outside Gablecross Police Station this afternoon.
It comes less than 24 hours after Grzegorz Beyer, known as Greg, 40, of Edmund Street, died in hospital in Bristol.
He sustained injuries during an incident at around 2.20am on Monday morning in Swindon town centre, near to the water fountain at the crossroads of Bridge Street, Canal Walk, The Parade and Regent Street.
A number of people, all thought to be Polish, are believed to have been involved.
DCI Carter said: "It was during this incident that Mr Beyer was assaulted. Police officers and paramedics attended the scene and he was taken to the Great Western Hospital by ambulance and later transferred to Southmead Hospital in Bristol, where he sadly died yesterday evening surrounded by his family.
"A post mortem will be carried out by a Home Office pathologist tomorrow.
"I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere condolences to Mr Beyer’s family, who are currently being supported by specialist family liaison officers.
"Mr Beyer was a married man with three young daughters, who have all been left heartbroken by this tragic loss.
"Mr Beyer was enjoying a night out with friends when the incident took place. It should have been a happy time, instead, the night ended in tragedy and Mr Beyer’s young daughters are now coming to terms with growing up without their beloved father.
"Understandably, the local community, in particular the large Polish community in Swindon, will have been left shocked and concerned by this incident.
"I would like to reassure them that we have a team of dedicated officers and staff working tirelessly and conducting meticulous enquiries in the area to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the incident."
He added that officers were currently analysing extensive CCTV footage from the area and residents and shoppers could expect to see an increase in police activity in the town centre within the coming days, as further intelligence analysis and enquiries are carried out.
DCI Jeremy Carter today appeals for witnesses to come forward
He said: "This incident happened on a Bank Holiday weekend. The area would have been busier than usual as people took advantage of an extra day off. I am really keen to hear from anybody who was in the area of Bridge Street, Canal Walk, The Parade or Regent Street between the hours of 11pm on Sunday and 3am on Monday.
"Any information you have, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem to you, may be crucial to our investigation.
"I would also like to make a plea to the tight-knit Polish community in Swindon – if you know anything about this incident which has tragically left a young family without a father, get in touch. I am confident that there are a number of people out there who may have information which could help us identify the person responsible for Mr Beyer’s death.
"On behalf of his devastated family, I would urge you to call police immediately via 101. Alternatively, information can be left with Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
The attack took place near the town centre water feature. Picture: Thomas Kelsey
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