Touching tributes appear outside Pomegranate Theatre in memory of Chris Henchliffe

Flowers and emotional tributes have been placed outside the Pomegranate Theatre in memory of Chris Henchliffe.
Submitted by Owen Pavey.Submitted by Owen Pavey.
Submitted by Owen Pavey.

The young soldier sadly passed away in hospital on Tuesday morning following an alleged attack outside the well-known town venue almost two weeks ago.

One of the messages reads: “My beautiful son, I’m so proud of you and always will be. You are our life.”

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Another says: “Dearest grandson Chris, you are etched on our hearts forever. Life will never be the same without you. Cannot believe you are gone.”

Chris Henchliffe with his son. Picture released by family.Chris Henchliffe with his son. Picture released by family.
Chris Henchliffe with his son. Picture released by family.

And another reads: “Chris/brother/best friend, I’ll never forget you.”

Hundreds more tributes have been paid to 26-year-old Mr Henchliffe on social media and his family is expected to release a statement soon.

Staff at Chesterfield Royal Hospital called police on Sunday, July 3, to tell officers that Mr Henchliffe had been brought to A&E by ambulance.

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According to police, he was allegedly attacked by three men outside the Pomegranate Theatre in Corporation Street sometime between 4am and 4.30am that day.

Chris Henchliffe with his son. Picture released by family.Chris Henchliffe with his son. Picture released by family.
Chris Henchliffe with his son. Picture released by family.

Mr Henchliffe, of Maynard Road, Chesterfield, was later transferred to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in Sheffield with serious head injuries.

Benjamin Edwards, 21, from Fieldview Place, Chesterfield, was subsequently charged with causing grievous bodily harm.

In light of Mr Henchliffe’s death, police are consulting with the Crown Prosecution Service about the charge.

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Mr Edwards is next due to appear at Derby Crown Court on August 2.

Two 24-year-old men, arrested on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm, have been released on bail while enquiries continue.

Anyone with information should call police on 101, quoting reference number 16000177569.

Mr Henchliffe, who attended Parkside Communtiy School, Chesterfield, was understood to be a member of the infantry of the British Army.

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• Mr Henchliffe’s mum Yvonne has been unable to work since what happened. As a result, friends of the Henchliffe family have set up a fundraising campaign to help them cope with any money worries they may be experiencing. If you would like to donate to the cause, visit crowdfunding.justgiving.com/chris-henchliffe