A murder investigation is continuing in Staffordshire after a man died following a violent assault outside a bar in Lichfield city centre, leading police to charge 36-year-old Billy Allison with murder and grievous bodily harm with intent. Authorities confirmed the incident happened late Sunday night on Market Street, where emergency services rushed to the scene after reports that two men had been punched during a disturbance outside the Ricco and Loren bar.
According to Staffordshire Police, officers were called at approximately 11:25 p.m. on Sunday, May 24, 2026, after witnesses reported a serious altercation involving two victims. Both injured men were taken to hospital for treatment, but one of the victims later died from his injuries on Tuesday afternoon. Police have not yet publicly released the identity of the deceased man as family members continue to receive support from specialist officers.
Investigators said the second victim sustained injuries during the incident but has since been discharged from hospital. Detectives quickly launched a major inquiry, reviewing witness statements, CCTV footage, and evidence gathered from the city centre crime scene as officers worked to establish the events leading up to the deadly confrontation.
Staffordshire Police confirmed that Billy Allison, from Solihull, was arrested shortly after 5 a.m. on Monday morning and later formally charged with murder as well as Section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent. Authorities stated he is scheduled to appear before the North Staffordshire Justice Centre on Wednesday, May 27.
The fatal assault has sent shockwaves through the Lichfield community, particularly among residents and businesses in the busy Market Street nightlife district. Local reports described a heavy police presence around the bar area following the incident, with sections of the street cordoned off while forensic investigators examined the scene.
Police are continuing to appeal for information from members of the public who may have witnessed the assault or captured footage from the area during the late-night hours on Sunday. Detectives say even minor details could prove important as the homicide investigation progresses.
