The 31-year-old man was found by police in Paradise Lane, off Norfolk Street, at 2.45am yesterday (Tuesday), suffering serious head injuries.

Despite receiving "the best possible care" the man, who has not yet been publicly name, died at Lynn's Queen Elizabeth Hospital at 2pm that day, a leading police officer said.

The man, from Leiston in Suffolk, had his family at his side.

Three men, aged 26, 28 and 49, from Mansfield, Sheffield and St Neots, arrested close to the scene of the incident on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm remain in police custody where they are now being questioned on suspicion of murder.

Two local men, aged 21 and 24, were arrested by detectives later in the day in connection with the assault and are also now been held on suspicion of murder.

Leading the inquiry, detective chief inspector Neil Firm said: "Despite the best possible treatment, the man sadly died from his injuries in hospital yesterday afternoon and what was initially an assault inquiry has turned into a murder investigation.

"We know the victim spent some of the evening prior to the assault in Chicago Rock Café in Norfolk Street and then visited a take-away. We are urging anyone with information which may help our inquiries or who witnessed the incident or anyone fleeing the scene to contact us at the earliest opportunity."

Police family liaison officers are now working to support the victim's family.

A Home Office post mortem is due to take place tomorrow. (Thursday May 8th)

• Anyone with information should contact police on 0845 456 4567.

More in Friday's Lynn News.