Matthew Powney: Murder arrest over death of Willenhall Wetherspoons worker
A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering Matthew Powney, who died after being attacked outside the pub where he worked.
Mr Powney, aged 31, suffered serious head injuries when he was assaulted outside the The Malthouse Wetherspoons in Willenhall.
Last night, a 27-year old man handed himself in at a police station and was arrested on suspicion of murder.
Mr Powney, who had worked at the Wetherspoons in New Road for seven years, died in hospital following the assault.
He was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after the attack just after midnight on Monday. A post mortem was due to take place yesterday.
Fundraiser
Meanwhile, more than £1,400 has already been raised in memory of Mr Powney.
By Wednesday morning almost 100 people had donated to the JustGiving page set up "to ensure financial security for Matt’s partner and daughter".
Numerous tributes have been left on the page, which was organised by one of Mr Powney's former Wetherspoons colleagues Cat Turner.
Rebecca Hooley wrote: "A truly special guy who will be missed by all who worked with him.
"Would always put others before himself. Cannot count the times you helped me out."
Sheila Anne added: "Matt was a lovely, polite, gentle guy and his life was cut tragically short.
"Our thoughts are with his partner and family at this awful time. RIP Matt xxx."
The statement on the JustGiving page says: "Matt was extremely hard working and highly thought of by all who knew him, nothing was too much trouble.
"Devastatingly, he leaves behind his family, partner and infant daughter who will now have to continue life without him.
"As a community, we would like to ensure the financial security of his young family during this time and your donations will help to achieve this. Matt, you will be incredibly missed by all. God bless you."
Yesterday Wetherspoons spokesman Eddie Gershon also paid tribute, saying: “ We are devastated by the death of Matt Powney.
“Matt worked for the company for more than seven years and was highly regarded and liked by both staff and customers at The Malthouse in Willenhall where he worked.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”
Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to contact them on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
