Grilfriend devastated over Halloween death

Friends of Ben Gardner's girlfriend said today she was "devastated and appalled" by his death.

Allanna Devine, 28, has been inconsolable since the 30-year-old was fatally kicked in the head in front of her as he tried to retrieve her fancy dress witch's hat.

The couple were attacked by a gang of men just yards from the entrance to Ms Devine's flat in Sutton, Surrey, at around 3.30am on Sunday.

When one of the men grabbed her hat, the 30-year-old IT expert for Legal & General stepped in to protect her and demanded it back.

One man spat inside it before handing it over and a second man punched him in the head from behind. As he fell to the ground he was punched again before he was kicked in the head.

His girlfriend, who he had only been with for three weeks, was also hit in the face during the attack.

Mr Gardner was taken to St Helier Hospital after the attack but died later from "massive brain trauma".

Friends of Ms Devine today said she was "devastated and appalled" after the incident.

Police arrested six men, aged 20 to 25, and two women, 25 and 26. One of the men was later released but the others are still in custody.

However detectives are still appealing for witnesses who may have seen the attack.

Detective Inspector Bob Campani said: "This appears to be a violent unprovoked attack on an innocent man who was out enjoying Halloween night with his girlfriend."

Anyone with information should call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.