A TESCO employee attacked outside his store in Andover has died in hospital after suffering a severe head injury, police have confirmed.

John William Carroll, 62, was assaulted outside the River Way Tesco Extra store at around 9.18pm on Thursday, July 29.

Police said they are now treating the incident as a homicide investigation.

John was taken to hospital with a serious head injury, but sadly passed away today (Tuesday, August 10).

Releasing his image today, his family said: “John was a well-loved man to all those who knew him. We, as a family, would like our privacy to be respected during this extremely difficult time.”

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: "We are now treating this incident as a homicide investigation and continue to appeal for anyone with information, or dash-cam footage, that may assist to come forward.

"Please phone 101 quoting Operation Water if you have any information that may assist our detectives."

Reacting to the news of his death, Tesco Group CEO, Ken Murphy said: “We are deeply shocked by this horrific incident and heartbroken to lose a much-loved colleague.

"All our thoughts are with John’s family and we are doing everything we can to support them at this difficult time. We continue to assist Hampshire Police with their investigation.” 

Four Andover residents were earlier arrested in connection with the incident.

Among them, Shane Richard Donovan was remanded in custody following a court hearing.

An 18-year-old man, a 28-year-old man, and a 36-year-old woman, all from Andover, were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender.

A kind-hearted Andover resident has set up a fundraiser to help John's family.

You can contribute to the fundraiser here.