DETECTIVES have launched a murder investigation after a father of three who was seriously assaulted in his home five weeks ago died in hospital.

Police believe Mark Witherall, 47, was attacked during a burglary at his house in Whitstable on Saturday, January 27.

Officers are now making a fresh appeal for help from the public and are asking people with any information about the assault that led to Mr Witherall's death to contact them on 01303 289600.

Mr Witherall's father is also appealing for people to come forward and help the police investigation.

His son was found with serious injuries outside his house in Whitstable's King Edward Street at about 11.40pm.

He was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother hospital in Margate where he had been on a life support machine. He died on Wednesday night.

He leaves a 29-year-old daughter and two other children, a girl of 10 and a seven-year-old boy, who both live with their mother from whom Mr Witherall was separated.

His father, also called Mark, said: "I am devastated by the death of my son. He was a fantastic, nice man. He was well known in Whitstable and had lots of friends."

Police officers from Whitstable are now working with detectives from Kent Police's major crime department to investigate his murder.

Det Ch Insp Martin Harris, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a shocking murder. It appears that people broke into his home, burgled it and viciously attacked him, leaving him seriously injured in the street.

"We need to hear from anyone that knows anything about the assault of Mr Witherall and the burglary of his home.

"If you saw anything suspicious or anyone acting suspiciously in the area or near Mr Witherall's home or have any information, no matter how trivial you think it may be, please contact us."

Anyone who witnessed Mr Witherall being assaulted or has any information is asked to contact the major crime incident room on 01303 289600.Alternatively, people can contact Kent CrimeStoppers free and anonymously on 0800 555111.

Three people who were arrested on suspicion of assaulting Mr Witherall are currently on bail.