Floral tributes left for Lytham attack victim Matthew Guthrie who died in hospital after being punched on night out

Floral tributes have been left near the scene of a violent assault that led to the death of a much-loved 25-year-old in Lytham.

By Sean Gleaves

Published 21st Jun 2023, 17:05 BST

Updated 21st Jun 2023, 17:06 BST

These were the scenes:

Matthew Guthrie, from St Annes, was taken to hospital in a critical condition after he was attacked in Henry Street at around 1.28am on Sunday (June 18).

1. Floral tributes left for Lytham attack victim Matthew Guthrie

Matthew Guthrie, from St Annes, was taken to hospital in a critical condition after he was attacked in Henry Street at around 1.28am on Sunday (June 18). Photo: Daniel Martino

He suffered a catastrophic head injury and his condition was described as life-threatening. Sadly, he has passed away in hospital.

2. Floral tributes left for Lytham attack victim Matthew Guthrie

He suffered a catastrophic head injury and his condition was described as life-threatening. Sadly, he has passed away in hospital. Photo: Daniel Martino

A 20-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of section 18 (grievous bodily harm) and re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter.

3. Floral tributes left for Lytham attack victim Matthew Guthrie

A 20-year-old man was initially arrested on suspicion of section 18 (grievous bodily harm) and re-arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Photo: Daniel Martino

He was later released on bail while enquiries continued.

4. Floral tributes left for Lytham attack victim Matthew Guthrie

He was later released on bail while enquiries continued. Photo: Daniel Martino

Det Chief Insp Jane Webb of Lancashire Police, said: "Our thoughts are very much with Matthew’s family at this sad and distressing time for them. This is a tragic case, and the investigation is ongoing. We continue to appeal for witnesses to the incident and ask for anyone with information to come forward."

5. Floral tributes left for Lytham attack victim Matthew Guthrie

Det Chief Insp Jane Webb of Lancashire Police, said: "Our thoughts are very much with Matthew’s family at this sad and distressing time for them. This is a tragic case, and the investigation is ongoing. We continue to appeal for witnesses to the incident and ask for anyone with information to come forward." Photo: Daniel Martino

Mr Guthrie was described as a "funny, happy, caring young man" in a tribute from Hello Fit Lytham.
"Matthew will be missed greatly at the gym and our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this time."

6. Floral tributes left for Lytham attack victim Matthew Guthrie

Mr Guthrie was described as a "funny, happy, caring young man" in a tribute from Hello Fit Lytham. "Matthew will be missed greatly at the gym and our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this time." Photo: Daniel Martino