TRIBUTES have been paid to a dad with an “unforgettable smile” who was fatally injured just yards from his doorstep. Andrew Ballantyne, 55, was understood to be on his way home from the pub when a brutal fight broke out in High Wycombe, Bucks. Police who were on patrol found him fighting for his life […]
TRIBUTES have been paid to a dad with an “unforgettable smile” who was fatally injured just yards from his doorstep.
Andrew Ballantyne, 55, was understood to be on his way home from the pub when a brutal fight broke out in High Wycombe, Bucks.
Police who were on patrol found him fighting for his life outside a Jet petrol station just after midnight on Saturday.
He was surrounded by a gang of men who then fled the scene.
A 25-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in custody, along with a second 25-year-old man held for the same offence.
Police said a third man, 27, has been released under investigation after being quizzed by murder cops.
They also confirmed a post mortem examination was carried out yesterday but was inconclusive.
Tributes have poured in for Andrew, with 250 members of the close knit community coming together to remember the dad on Sunday evening.
Flowers, cards with heartfelt messages, candles and balloons adorn a specially placed wooden arch in Micklefield Road in tribute to him.
An empty bottle of wine and can of Stella Artois were also left in his memory.
One message reads: “We will never forget that smile. RIP Andrew.” Another states: “It’s a shame to see you passed too soon.”
A photo of a beaming Andrew, two children and a woman understood to be his ex wife has been placed on top of a lantern at the scene.
Andrew, thought to be a labourer and ex mechanic, was found by cops on patrol fighting for life at about 12.20am on Saturday.
When officers rushed to save him, the group of men he was fighting with fled the scene after seeing flashing blue lights.
Cops then tried to give him CPR before medics arrived but he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
A police cordon has now been removed.
Ovidiu Dragon, who knew the victim, said: “He was a lovely guy who never caused any trouble or would harm anyone.
“When I heard he had been killed I couldn’t believe it. I was so shocked.”
Ovidiu, 33, told The Sun Online: “We all turned out last night to pay out respects. We don’t know how he died but we heard he was beaten or stabbed.
“There were 200-250 people bringing flowers and raising a glass to him. He was a good man and we all feel his loss.
“He liked a beer and I’d often see him with a bottle in his hand but he always made time to greet you. And he was always smiling.”
Another resident said the dad had been on his way home from a local pub, The Dolphin, when he was attacked.
Head of Major Crime, Detective Superintendent Kevin Brown, said: “The thoughts of Thames Valley Police remain with Andrew’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Andrew’s family are being supported by specially trained officers, and on their behalf, I would ask for their privacy to be respected.
“We have currently made three arrests and we are continuing to investigate the circumstances thoroughly.
“I would again appeal to anybody who witnessed the incident, or knows what happened, to please get in touch with police.
“You can do so by making a report online, calling 101, or contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111, quoting reference number 59 (31/7).”
