South Wales police can confirm that the investigation into a serious assault which occurred on Commercial Street, Neath on Friday, 15 July is now a murder investigation.
Detectives have charged a 34 year-old man from Hampshire with murder.
Daniel Pickering, 34, will appear before Swansea Magistrates Court on Monday, 18 July, 2022.
Matthew Thomas, 47, from Neath died in hospital where he had been in a critical condition since being admitted on Friday, 15 July,
His family have respectfully asked to be left alone to grieve in peace – they are being supported by specially trained officers at this time.
Detectives investigating the incident are continuing their appeal for information.
In particular they would like to speak to anybody who may have been inside or outside the Arch Bar and Nightclub at approximately 00:50hrs on 15 July, to make contact with officers if they haven’t already.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Lewis said: “There has been a tragic development overnight and we are now treating this incident as a murder. My thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends at this very difficult time.
“We do have somebody in custody and we are not currently looking for anybody else.
“It is vital that we speak to anybody who may have information about what happened during the early hours of Friday 15th July, and I am urging anybody who has not yet spoken to police to make contact.”
Anybody who has information can contact the Major Crime Investigation Team via https://mipp.police.uk/operation/62SWP22B51-P01 quoting reference 2200236046.
