THE family of a man who died after an alleged town centre attack say they have been ‘ripped apart’ by his death.

Dad-of-four Kenneth Turnbull, 51, of Limes Avenue, Darwen, was found collapsed on the pavement outside the White Lion in The Green, Darwen, in the early hours of Monday morning.

A post mortem examination found that Mr Turnbull, who was married and worked as a self-employed kitchen fitter, had died as a result of a brain haemorrhage caused by a blow.

Police launched an investigation and arrested a 18-year-old man, who was subsequently charged with Mr Turnbull’s manslaughter.

Yesterday Mr Turnbull’s family released a statement saying that they had been left devastated by his death.

The statement said that Mr Turnbull was a ‘devoted dad’ and ‘loving husband’ who had been ‘tragically taken away’ from his family.

It added: “His death has left us all devastated and ripped apart.

“Ken loved his northern soul music with a passion, Blackburn Rovers, a pint and a Sukhi’s curry.

“He liked a laugh and a joke and had a very random sense of humour which we all loved.

“He will be remembered by all of us as a hard worker who always lived life to the full which he did to the very end. “ Mr Turnbull was married to Anita and had three sons, Mark, 27, Andy, 24, and Oliver, 16, and a daughter, Abbie, 12. He has also been survived by his mum, Doreen, and sisters Denice (CORR) and Ann.

His body was found shortly before 12.50am on Monday and police officers phoned for an ambulance saying that they could not find a pulse, according to the North West Ambulance Service.

Mr Turnbull was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics and his body was then taken to the Royal Blackburn Hospital, the ambulance service said.

Terence Henry Gaskin, of no fixed address, appeared before Blackburn magistrates yesterday charged with Mr Turnbull’s manslaughter.

He was sent in custody to Preston Crown Court where he will appear for a preliminary hearing on August 27.

Roger Pickles, defending, did not apply for bail.