Family pay tribute to ‘one-punch’ attack victim
THE grieving family of a man killed in a ‘one-punch’ attack outside a fast-food takeaway have revealed he was just starting to ‘rebuild’ his life after suffering a stroke.
Keith Maden, 59, from Littleborough, was punched once in the face after reportedly confronting youths throwing fireworks.
He fell backwards and hit his head on the floor, suffering a serious head injury, and later died in hospital.
The attack took place outside Dixy Chicken on Reed Hill, off Yorkshire Street, in Rochdale town centre, at around 9.15pm September 28.
Mr Maden’s family have released a touching tribute, calling him a ‘lovable, friendly character’.
They said he was only just starting to socialise and go out with friends again as he recovered from a stroke he suffered last year.
Police said that moments before the attack Mr Maden was having a cigarette outside the Reed Hotel pub, when he told the group of teenagers to stop throwing fireworks around.
He then walked to the takeaway to get food before being attacked.
In the tribute statement his family said: “Keith was a lovable, friendly character with a great sense of humour.
“He grew up and lived most of his life in Littleborough and knew many people in the village, but led a simple life and never asked for much from anyone.
“After suffering a stroke last year Keith had just started to rebuild his life and go out with friends again.
“He was loved and supported by his mum, brothers and sisters, who are all heartbroken at losing him too soon and in such tragic circumstances.”
Police believe Mr Maden was approached by a group of up to five men outside the takeaway.
Officers arrested a 19-year-old man on suspicion of murder. After questioning, he was released pending further investigations. Police said he is due to answer his bail on October 29.
Det Insp John Mulvihill, from GMP’s Major Incident Team, said: “My thoughts go out to Keith’s family and friends at this devastating time. I can’t begin to image what they are going through.
“We are continuing our appeal to the public, if you witnessed this awful attack please get in touch with us and let us know what you saw.
“We will not stop until we have found out exactly what happened to Keith and we are able to bring those responsible to justice.”