A FATHER-of-two has died four days after being assaulted in a Blackburn flat.

Thomas Hill, 32, was found unconscious and covered in blood by his aunt, Helen Blunton, at the property in Fielding Crescent on Tuesday.

He was taken to Royal Blackburn Hospital, then transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital.

Police – who have now launched a murder investigation into his death – said he died of his injuries on Saturday afternoon.

Mrs Blunton, 46, said: “I feel terrible. He loved my daughter Megan, who has Down’s Syndrome. He was always taking her fishing and to the football.”

His cousin Charlie Blunton, 20, said: “He always had a smile on his face and he loved dancing, he loved a party and he was a big Glasgow Rangers fan. He was like a big brother to me. I could talk to him about anything and he has always been there for me.”

Cousin Bobby Blunton, 17, said: “He was just such a loving person.”

It is understood his mother, father and sister, who all live in Glasgow, had travelled down to be at his bedside. Mr Hill also has a son and a daughter who live in Glasgow.

A police spokesman said: “Thomas Hill was taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital on Tuesday morning before being transferred to the Royal Preston Hospital. Sadly, he died of his injuries on Saturday.

n Michael Cocker of Fielding Crescent, Blackburn has been charged with murder and will appear before Blackburn magistrates this morning.