A gay grandad was ‘beaten to death’ outside a gay bar in Chester, a post mortem has revealed.

Ronald Hayes, 63, suffered serious injuries following an assault near Liverpool Arms Bar at around 12.50am on Saturday 23 November.

Cheshire Police have confirmed Hayes has died of ‘blunt force trauma to the head’.

Two men, both aged 26, have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

They have been bailed pending further enquiries.

Hayes had been enjoying an evening in the Liverpool Arms Bar when he was attacked after leaving the premises.

He was taken to the Countess of Chester Hospital in a critical condition, and subsequently placed on a ventilator.

It was not enough to save him, as the ventilator was switched off shortly before 1am on 25 November.

His family said they were all ‘deeply saddened’.

‘Those closest to Ronald describe him as a doting partner, father and grandfather whose spirit and energy was infectious,’ they said.

‘He had a drive for life that outweighed his years.’

Police are appealing for anyone who was in the Liverpool Arms Bar, the area of Northgate Street where the attack occurred, and who may have information of relevance, to contact them.

Reach Chester Police on the non-emergency number 101, quoting incident number 50 of 23/11/2013. Information can also be left anonymously on the Crimestoppers hotline 0800 555 111.