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Friends and family of Chatham dad who died after being punched outside Hare and Hounds, Maidstone, set off lantern in his memory

By: Sean McPolin smcpolin@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 12:00, 26 August 2022

Updated: 14:24, 26 August 2022

Friends and family of a punter killed outside his "second home" pub have held a vigil.

Andrew Looseley, also known as Kev, died in hospital after an incident by the Hare and Hounds in Maidstone.

Now dozens of wellwishers have let off a lantern for the dad-of-six.

Andrew, from Chatham, died at King's College Hospital on Wednesday from his injuries after fighting for his life for five days.

The 47-year-old was in a critical condition after being punched on Saturday evening.

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A red sign, in reference to his football team Liverpool, was put up on the wall outside the pub for people to sign.

Tributes were written on the lantern, including one which read: "Love you loads, buddy, and you'll be sorely missed. Sleep tight my friend."

While another said: "I will always love you brother. You were like a dad to me."

Andrew Looseley, also known as Kev, with his daughter Elektra
A lantern was let off in memory of Chatham dad Andrew Looseley. Picture: Jay Ryan
Friends and family clapped as the lantern made its way into the sky. Picture: Jay Ryan

A third added: "Rest in peace brother, fly high."

Andrew's family have been devastated by the incident, which saw Ashford man John Gibbs, of Nickley Wood, Ashford, charged on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm.

Bethany Looseley, 20, said her dad didn't deserve to die so young.

"My dad has been taken way to from us far quickly," she said.

Tributes were written on the red material, on a wall outside the pub, throughout the night. Picture: Jay Ryan
Family and friends paid tribute to their "gentle giant" Andrew. Picture: Jay Ryan

"My dad did not deserve any of this and is such a caring man, sometimes we don't see eye to eye but he's been my dad throughout and always will be even if he is now flying high.

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"I can't get my head around it. I still think I'll be able to see him or call him next week or he'll be doing his food deliveries for the homeless, or working, I already miss him so much.

"He has helped me through a lot, he helped move me and his son-in-law into our first home together, he helped me when things got tough, he gave me advice to always be strong and move forward, he was a character of funniness and some times sarcasm but he was my dad and that's all I cared about.

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"I can't believe my dad has been taken from me, he made a change in so many lives and loved so many people.

"He was always devoted and strong when it came to family he would try to help even if there was no way of helping, I could count on him especially when the going got tough."

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