Police wait to question pub brawl victim

David McCardle, 40, died after suffering serious head injuries in the assault near the Clubhouse pub in North High Street, Musselburgh, at about 10.30pm on Friday.

It has now emerged that around two hours later, a 24-year-old man was found suffering from serious head injuries in Stoneybank Gardens North, about half a mile from the bar.

The victim, who has not been named, is being treated at St John’s Hospital in Livingston, where his condition is described as “serious”.

Derek Robertson, 47, who was also injured in the incident, remains in a serious condition at Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

A police source said: “The 24-year-old man was found a couple of hours after the original incident. We were quickly able to establish his injuries were connected to that. Officers are waiting to speak to him but he’s not been in a condition where that could happen.”

Meanwhile, Ross Tait, 21, appeared in private at Haddington Sheriff Court yesterday, charged with murder.

Tait, of Musselburgh, also faced two further charges; one of assault and another of assault to severe injury and to the danger of life. He made no plea or declaration and was remanded in custody. He is expected back in court in a week’s time.

Detective Inspector John Peaston said: “We are continuing to appeal for information and it is imperative that any witnesses who have not yet contacted the police get in touch as a matter of urgency.”

Police were called after the row spilled out of the pub on Friday night. They found Mr McCardle and another man outside with serious head injuries. It is believed two men had earlier been thrown out of the bar by Paula Cassidy, 22, Mr McCardle’s girlfriend. Witnesses said Mr McCardle had attempted to intervene, but was set upon.

During the assault, it is understood he was attacked with a hammer and struck on the head with a beer keg.

Mr McCardle’s brother, Keith, 49, has paid tribute to the good Samaritan as “just a wee, fun guy, not a bad boy”.

Celtic fan Mr McCardle, who was known as Yivil, was originally from Niddrie and moved to Musselburgh as a child.

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