Tribute to 'kindest' man, 73, who died from punch after confronting teenagers in city centre

Jim Davis, 73, died on Friday night, two days after the alleged attack on Honeybourne Way in his hometown of Cheltenham.

It came after the pensioner is said to have approached two youths on Wednesday night on the Millennium Bridge after they threw a branch off the edge at a cyclist.

One of the youths is said to have "punched him in the face" following an exchange.

Mr Davis was rushed to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital but died two days later on Friday.

In a moving tribute, his grieving family said they were "devastated by the loss of Jimmy" who they described as "one of the kindest people anyone could have the pleasure of meeting".

They described him as "caring, compassionate, and always putting others first."

"He made sure no one around him ever felt alone, and his love of motorcycles brought him into contact with many people, forming friendships wherever he went.

"With a natural warmth and a gift for storytelling, he shared his life with great joy and, in doing so, touched a remarkable number of lives.

"Our lives will never be the same without him, and we know that many others will share in the sadness we feel."

Police rushed to the scene after they were called about a serious assault on Honeybourne Way at around 7.30pm on Wednesday, April 8.

Two teenage boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of murder after initially being arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm before Mr Davis' death.

No further action is being taken against the 16-year-old, but the 17-year-old remains on police bail while enquiries continue.

The Major Crime Investigations Team have now taken over the murder investigation.

Detectives have appealed for witnesses to come forward and contact the police with any information about the incident, either by completing their online form and quoting incident 430 of April 8 or by contacting Crimestoppers anonymously.