A MURDER investigation has been launched in Burnham after a man was punched in a pub in the early hours and later died. 

Police were called to The George Inn pub in High Street around 12.01am today following a report of an assault. 

Forty eight year-old Dean Haverley from Burnham was treated at the scene but later died in hospital. It is understood no weapon was used and that Mr Haverley was punched.

Mr Haverley had five children and two step-children. His next of kin has been informed. 

A woman who knew him said: "He was a regular face in the pub. He always seemed like a nice enough bloke."

Police say that so far there have been no arrests. 

Speaking to the Mail Online, Mr Haverley's brother, Craig said: "He was my best friend and my little brother and I'm going to miss him big time."

They had visited the George Inn together only last Monday to have a few beers and play on the fruit machiens. Craig Haverley described The George Inn as "a tiny pub and a real community pub".

Describing his brother, Craig Haverley said: "He was an upbeat, funny guy, always laughing and he had my kids in stitches.

"The last time I saw him was about two or three days ago when he came round to mine and we watched some TV and had a few beers in my man cave.

"He was the youngest of eight siblings and we were very close and always together."

Linda O'Reilly, landlady of The Bee pub in Burnham, which is at the junction of High Street, said she knew Mr Haverley's brother, Craig. 

She told the Observer: "I am shocked to hear about this. 

"Craig used to come in here occasionally and was always a nice guy. It's very sad."

Punters in The Bee on Saturday afternoon told of their shock. 

Mark Donaldson, also of Burnham, said: "It is a shock as it isn't doesn't happen often round here, it's a very quiet place. "

Mr Donaldson said The George Inn did not have a bad reputation and the current landlord, Chris Faulkner, had been doing a good job at creating a positive atmosphere, including live music. 

He and friend, Paul Ayers, are regulars on a Sunday night at the pub where they play pool.

Mr Ayers, also a Burnham resident added: "It is a very quiet pub. We play pool on a Sunday there and have a laugh and the landlord is a lovely bloke. 

"He'll be devastated that this has happened." 

The George Inn claims to be the oldest pub in Burnham's High Street and dates back to 1762 when it was an old Coaching Inn. The original outbuildings are still standing, according to its website.  

Officers are currently watching the scene at the pub as detectives make their enquiries. 

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Simon Steel of the Major Crime Unit, said: “My appeal is to anyone who was in The George Inn public house around midnight who witnessed the assault or has any information regarding the incident to contact police immediately.

“This is an isolated incident and we are conducting a thorough investigation to find out what happened inside public house last night.

“A scenewatch will remain in place at the public house and there will be police activity in the area. If you have any concerns please don’t hesitate to approach one of our officers or PCSOs.

“If you have information about the incident but don’t want to speak directly to the police you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.”