A MURDER investigation has been opened by police in Watford after a man who came to the town for a night out was killed.

Twenty-four-year-old Joel Reddick, from Borehamwood, was found lying unconscious outside Area nightclub in High Street at about 1.50am on Saturday suffering from a serious head injury.

He was rushed to Watford General, then later transferred to Queen's Square Hospital in London in a critical condition, but died on Tuesday from his injuries.

It is believed Mr Reddick had been to Area nightclub but no information has been given about how or why he was injured.

Police are studying CCTV footage and are appealing for witnesses and information in what is now being treated as a murder investigation.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Adrian Tapp said: "We need to establish exactly what happened, and it is vital that anyone who witnessed either a disturbance or an assault makes contact with officers as soon as possible."

The secretary of the Central Town Residents' Association Mrs Irene Adams said: "This is very worrying. It just shows that we need more police presence in the town centre.

"The clubs and bars are constantly applying to extend their licences but we don't have the police manpower to make sure the town centre is safe.

"It is horrific people cannot go for a night out safely.

"We are not against people going out to enjoy themselves but the problem is they do not behave properly when they are drunk.

"The only answer is more visible policing."

Central ward Liberal Democrat Councillor Rabi Martins said lessons need to be learned from these kinds of incidents.

He said: "First of all, our condolences should go out to this man's family.

"Secondly, there are lessons for all of us when things like this happen and for the owners of premises in the area.

"Bringing additional numbers to the town centre makes it too difficult to police properly.

"However, I have every faith the police will catch the people responsible for this and bring them to justice."

Labour Councillor Ruth Atkin, who also represents Central ward, said she was appalled at the news.

She said: "This is violent and wicked. Unfortunately, Watford is frequented by people who have no notion of how to behave people who drink to get drunk turn into animals.

"The thing is, this goes on all over the country we are not the only ones."

Any witnesses or anyone who may have information can contact the incident room at Watford on 01923 472067.