A POPULAR drinker who played dominoes with pals in pubs across Widnes died a week after being found lying injured in the road late at night.
The death of 64-year-old, Widnes man Clifford 'Carney' Jones, has shocked local people who knew him as a regular in local pubs where he drank bitter and played pub games.
Manageress of the Mill Brow social club, Karen Turton, 40, said: "He was just a lovely man who kept himself to himself and never harmed or offended anyone.
"He used to come in for a few pints of bitter, chat to the regulars he knew, and then move on.
"Everyone was shocked when they heard. He didn't deserve that to happen to him and he'll be really missed."
Mr Jones, who is believed to have been single and had daughters who live away from Halton, was found lying injured at the corner of William Street and Albert Road by a passer-by at around 11.45pm on Thursday, June 3.
He was taken to Whiston hospital with serious leg injuries, which required surgery, but died on Friday, June 11, after his condition deteriorated.
A resident of William Street who knows the man who found him, said: "I didn't see what happened but I saw him lying on the floor moaning while we waited for an ambulance and he didn't look too good."
The police initially thought he was a victim of a hit and run but a post mortem after his death revealed he died of injuries consistent with a fall.
They are trying to piece together where he had been on the night of the incident and are appealing for anyone who might have seen him that night to call their road traffic unit on 01244-614761 or Crimestoppers on 0800-555 111.
He was around 5ft 5ins tall, medium to slim build, full head of dark grey hair, and was wearing beige trousers, a green casual jacket and a blue shirt.
An inquest has been opened.
