Tributes have been paid to a British Army veteran after five people were arrested for his murder.
Martin Chadburn, 53, was rushed to hospital with a life-threatening head injury after a ‘serious assault’ in Hull on Sunday, 19 April.
‘Happy-go-lucky’ Mr Chadburn had been a prolific fundraiser climbing mountains for veteran charity Hull 4 Heroes
His nephew Lee, posted on Facebook: ‘After a couple of days of torture with the uncertainty of the outcome, I’m devastated to say my uncle Martin Chadburn has sadly lost his life today after he was brutally attacked early hours Sunday morning.
‘The world’s cruel, my uncle served his country and had contributed from the start at Hull for Heroes doing unbelievable charity work and coming over some impressive challenges.
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‘He was obsessed with helping everyone around him. He was a happy-go-lucky man and we are devastated by his loss. There are a lot of feelings running through our broken family once again.
‘I have so so much to say but it won’t make anything right.. but what I will say is I will miss you so much.’
Paul Matson, CEO of Hull 4 Heroes, said he was ‘profoundly shocked and saddened’ by Martin’s death.
‘Martin – a veteran of nine years’ service has been a part of Hull 4 Heroes since day one, first as a volunteer and then as an employee.
‘To say he embodied the spirit and values of the charity is an understatement.
‘Martin was the type of person who would drop everything to help anyone and during his time with Hull 4 Heroes, he made a real and positive difference to the lives of many veterans and former military personnel.
‘He will be greatly missed by us all and we would like to offer our sincere condolences to his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.
‘Although many people will be appalled and angered by Martin’s death, we ask that the police are given the time and space needed to do their job so justice can take its right and proper course. We believe that is what Martin would have wanted.’
Three women aged 20, 20 and 21, and two men aged 27 and 34, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.
A 49-year-old woman who was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on Sunday, 19 April remains on conditional bail.
Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Chief Inspector Leanne Murphy said: ‘This is a tragic incident in which Martin has lost his life, and our deepest condolences are with his family, loved ones and colleagues.
‘My team are continuing to conduct extensive enquiries, and I recognise the work of officers and staff who have acted quickly to progress this investigation and make a number of arrests, as we establish exactly what has happened and the circumstances surrounding Martin’s death.
‘We know the concern this will cause across the community, I would like to thank members of the public for their help, and those who have come forward and assisted us with our enquiries so far.
‘An increased police presence can be expected in the area, and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to come and speak to them.
‘If anyone has any information, no matter how small, which could be the vital piece of information we need to further our investigation then I would urge them to come forward.’
Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West, said she first met Martin through his work at Hull 4 Heroes.
She said: ‘We worked closely together on the ‘Postcards for Veterans’ project.
‘Martin was great with the children, answering all their questions about his experience in the army with sensitivity and honesty. He was a lovely man and I had great admiration and respect for him.’