A MAN who was beaten during a robbery in Southend in July has died having never regained consciousness since the attack.John Murray, 64, from Southend, was found lying unconscious in the bar in Market Place where he worked on July 5.

A MAN who was beaten during a robbery in Southend in July has died having never regained consciousness since the attack.

John Murray, 64, from Southend, was found lying unconscious in the bar in Market Place where he worked on July 5.

He had suffered a severe head wound during the robbery.

Essex police today said he died on Friday in Southend Hospital and the investigation into the robbery has now been upgraded to a murder investigation.

Two men and two women were arrested earlier in the investigation on suspicion of grievous bodily harm and released on bail.