Thady Joe Higgins, 41, was punched to the ground after stepping in when an off-road biker started riding dangerously on grassland in Coventry, West Mids
A murder probe has been launched after a Good Samaritan who confronted a scrambler bike yob died from a head injury in hospital.
Thady Joe Higgins, 41, was punched to the ground after stepping in when an off-road biker started riding dangerously on grassland in Coventry, West Mids, on Tuesday evening.
Shocking footage taken in the area has captured a dirt bike rider revving their engine and riding in circles, before, it is believed, someone attempts to intervene.
The video cuts out before any type of attack takes place.
Mr Higgins, from Bedford, Beds, and has been described as a ‘gentle giant’ by his family, died in hospital from a serious head injury.
His devastating family today said he ‘didn’t have an aggressive bone in his body’.
A 37-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident has been released without charge.
Witnesses told how the man, who was out celebrating St Patrick’s Day, tried to step in to stop a lad tearing up green space on a dirt bike.
West Midlands Police said the victim was attacked after confronting ‘an off-road biker believed to have been riding recklessly’.
Detective Inspector Justin Spanner, said: ‘Sadly there was nothing that could be done to save Mr Higgins’ life and my condolences go out to his family and friends.
‘We need to find who attacked Mr Higgins and I’d urge anyone with information to contact the police. They can do that anonymously without leaving their name or contact details.
‘People in the community know who is responsible. I should stress that if we find that anyone is helping him evade capture they will also be arrested for assisting an offender and may well find themselves in prison.
Mr Higgins, from Bedford, Beds, and has been described as a ‘gentle giant’ by his family, died in hospital from a serious head injury
‘If anyone was in the Jubilee Crescent area of Radford between 6 and 7pm on Tuesday – especially anyone who filmed the incident or took photos – I would ask them to call us.
‘Similarly, if anyone has CCTV or dashcam footage then I’d urge them to get in touch.’
A video posted on social media purportedly before the attack shows an off-road bike being spun round in ‘doughnuts’ and being raced at speed.
A 37-year-old man from Coventry has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm.
Witnesses told how the man, who was out celebrating St Patrick’s Day, tried to step in to stop a lad tearing up green space on a dirt bike
Detective Inspector Justin Spanner said: ‘The victim has suffered a very serious head injury and his condition in hospital is life threatening.
‘We need to hear from anyone who was in the Jubilee Crescent area of Radford between 6 and 7pm last night and saw an off-road bike being ridden around.
‘I understand several people were in the area at the time and may have recorded what happened on their mobile phones. I really need them to share any photos or videos they have with us as it could be vital evidence.
Detective Inspector Justin Spanner, said: ‘Sadly there was nothing that could be done to save Mr Higgins’ life and my condolences go out to his family and friends’
‘Similarly, if anyone has CCTV or dash-cam footage then I’d urge them to get in touch.’
A taxi driver, who asked not to be named, said: ‘The old guy and his mate were walking along the green and a teenage lad was causing mayhem.
‘He’s decided to be a Good Samaritan and tried to go up to him to get him to stop. Then the kid on the bike has just hit him with his fists.
‘The paramedics were doing resuscitation on him for 20 minutes.’
A large cordon was last night put in place at the junction of Jubilee Crescent and Links Lane. The force helicopter was summoned to try and find the yob. A green St Patrick’s Day hat could still be seen on the ground this morning.
A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: ‘We were called to reports of an assault in Jubilee Crescent, Coventry at 6.44pm last night (Tuesday).
‘Two ambulances and a paramedic officer were sent to the scene. A man was in a critical condition and was being given excellent first aid by police.
‘Crews administered advanced life support before the man was conveyed on blue lights to hospital for further emergency care.’
The forensics team tend to the scene of the crime in Coventry last night
Witnesses are asked to message West Midlands Police via live chat on the force’s website or to call 101, quoting log 2824 of March 17.
Locals spoke of their shock at the incident. Umar Ahmed posted on Facebook: ‘A young lad was riding his dirt bike in the middle, causing mayhem.
‘Another male, who had been having a good day celebrating St Patrick’s Day approached the lad to move him off.
‘The lad on the bike got off and assaulted the man, who fell smashing his head on the floor and was out cold and had stopped breathing. My prayers are with him and I hope he makes a full recovery.’
Micky Bell added: ‘At times when we need peace and togetherness this is what we get so sad.
On Saturday, a teenager was shot dead in a drive-by shooting in the city. Abdul Xasan, 19, was shot twice in the back as he walked in the Hillfields area on Friday.
Carren Monga, 19, and a 15-year-old boy have been charged with murder.