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Police appeal for footage in Sean Cox investigation

Sean Cox remains critically ill following the assault outside the Anfield
Sean Cox remains critically ill following the assault outside the Anfield

British police investigating the attack on an Irish man before Liverpool’s Champions League semi-final at Anfield last month are appealing for CCTV and camera phone footage.

Father-of-three Sean Cox, 53, from Dunboyne, Co Meath, remains critically ill following the assault outside the stadium ahead of the first leg tie on Tuesday 24 April.

Detective Inspector Paul Speight, of Merseyside Police, said: "Sean Cox remains in hospital in a critical condition at Walton Neurological Centre. Our thoughts are very much with his family who are going through an extremely tough time, and we want to bring anyone responsible to justice.

"We have studied CCTV footage and have spoken to a number of witnesses, and I want to thank the people who have already come forward for their ongoing support.

"We know there were a number of people filming on camera phones before and after the incident, and we are very keen to hear from them and view the footage as it could prove vital to our investigation of this incident."

Fighting erupted near The Albert pub, close to the ground, shortly before kick-off, where it is believed Mr Cox was hit with a belt and fell to the ground at 7.08pm.

Damien O'Reilly, a councillor in Co Meath, described Mr Cox as a role model and cornerstone of the community and heavily involved in local Gaelic football.

In a statement, Mr Cox's family said he is "the most amazing and wonderful husband, dad, friend, son, uncle, and brother, and he has brought us all nothing but joy".

Earlier this week the Cox family said they were "overwhelmed and humbled" by public support since the incident.

Footage of the area between 7pm and 7.45pm can be sent to the force's dedicated investigation team via Anfield.Incident@merseyside.pnn.police.uk

Anyone with information can also contact Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.

Alternatively, phone 101 quoting incident reference 18200084867 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Two Italian nationals charged in connection with the assault are due to appear at Liverpool Crown Court later this month.