UPDATED 19.44*
THREE men were arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man in Ventnor on Christmas Day.


Detectives are investigating the death of a 57 year old Ventnor man, now named as Nick Medlin, following a vicious assault outside the Rose Inn, Pier Street, during the early hours of Sunday.

Officers and the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service were called just after midnight following a report of a serious assault.

The victim, a prison officer, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three men, aged 26, 31 and 32, were arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in police custody.

*The 26 year old suspect was released and bailed to return to Newport Police Station on April 11 pending further investigations.

But the other two men, both from the Island, remain in custody for further questioning until tomorrow.

Mr Medlin's family put out a statement this evening.

It read: "We are completely devastated and totally heartbroken by the tragic death of Nick on Christmas Eve.

"The family wishes to thank everyone for their kind tributes and ask for privacy to grieve at this very sad time." 
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Detective Chief Inspector Dave Brown, has made an  appeal for witnesses to the attack.

He said: "Investigations are continuing today as we work to establish the exact circumstances of this man’s death.

"We would like to speak to anyone who was in or in the vicinity of the Rose Inn on Christmas Eve night, around the time of the incident, as they could have information which could assist our investigation.

"If you have not yet spoken to us yet, please call 101 immediately."

The police have not yet confirmed the victim's identity.

Ventnor Town Council member, Cllr Stuart Blackmore, said: "This a tragedy for the victim's family and for the town, particularly on Christmas Day.

"The town council has discussed the possibility of improving security in the town with CCTV in the past, but funding has been an issue.

"In light of this incident, and a very nasty assault in the town at this time last year, it will probably be back on the town council's agenda.

"I'm not a fan of the the 'Big Brother' thing, but people are rightfully concerned. This terrible tragedy is all people are talking about in the town today.

"When we come to discuss our budget for coming year, if CCTV is what people want, they will have to pay for it."

Anyone with information calling 101, should quote Operation Extension or the crime number: 44160484578.