A group of Cub Scouts returning from a pantomime witnessed the murder of a Big Issue seller, police said today.The group and their leaders had travelled to Norwich, Norfolk, to see the show and were on the opposite side of the road when Keith Swan, 32, was attacked late on January 11.

A group of Cub Scouts returning from a pantomime witnessed the murder of a Big Issue seller, police said today.

The group and their leaders had travelled to Norwich, Norfolk, to see the show and were on the opposite side of the road when Keith Swan, 32, was attacked late on January 11.

A police spokesman said: "They were walking back from the theatre when the Cub leaders became aware of something going on."

Three youths were seen by the group, from Suffolk, running away from the scene.

After ensuring the Cubs were safe, two of the leaders gave the victim first aid while he was on the ground, said the spokesman.

Mr Swan later died in hospital.