A 23-year-old man has been charged with the murder of Stan Dixon, 60, who was attacked after confronting a gang of younger passengers for swearing on a bus.

Mr Dixon died last night, four days after he suffered serious head wounds while travelling home on the No 243 bus through Co Durham.

A young man was arrested after the attack and charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent. The charge has now been changed to murder.

Anne Fisher, 41, Mr Dixon’s partner, had asked two men and a young woman to stop using foul language on the back of the bus, which was heading to Horden from Hartlepool. The group took exception to her request and launched into an argument with the woman.

At that point Mr Dixon stepped in to defend her and became involved in the dispute. The couple decided to get off the bus a stop early at about10pm on Saturday, to avoid further confrontation.

As they waited at the front of the bus, the two men ran towards them and Mr Dixon was pushed off the vehicle and struck his head on the pavement.

Police are investigating whether the motor mechanic was punched by his attacker or if the injuries were sustained after he fell.

An ambulance arrived at the scene to find Mr Dixon unconscious on the pavement in Horden, near Peterlee. He was taken to Newcastle General Hospital, where he died yesterday.

Detective Sergeant Cliff Down, of Peterlee police, who is leading the investigation into the attack, said. “We want to speak to anyone who saw what happened, whether they were travelling on the bus or passing by.

“We believe two elderly ladies got off the bus at Blackhall and we are particularly keen to make contact with them.”

Times Recommends

• 6 reasons not to give gifts this Christmas
• Remembrance Day: All the lonely heroes