A doorman who died after being attacked outside a bar yesterday morning has been named by police.

James Darrah, 54, known as Jim, was struck to the face at just after midnight in the entrance to the Stone House bar in Bull Plain, Hertford.

Mr Darrah, who police believe to be from Edmonton, was taken to hospital but died a short time later.

Detectives from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit are now appealing for witnesses to the incident to come forward, specifically anyone who spoke to Mr Darrah earlier in the evening.

They would also like to speak to two women, described as being white and in their early twenties, who were in the courtyard area when one of them spilt a drink.

Detective Chief Inspector Jerome Kent from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit is leading the investigation. He said: “Our investigations into this incident are ongoing and we continue to treat this as a suspicious death.

“We have identified some witnesses, in particular two women, who we would like to speak to. I believe they will have seen the victim ask a man to leave the premises. These two witnesses could hold vital evidence for our enquiry.

“I’d also like to speak to anyone else who witnessed the incident or events leading up to it. Please get in touch with police as soon as possible.”

A 26-year-old man from Buntingford who was arrested in connection with the incident has been released on police bail.