FORMER World Snooker Champion Dennis Taylor is among stunned family and friends mourning the death of a Blackburn street attack victim, it was revealed today.

Police believe Kevin Sudall, 22, of View Road, Darwen, was set upon by a gang of youths as he left Club Euro in Cicely Lane, Blackburn in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Today police renewed their appeal to scores of nightclub goers who could be vital witnesses to what happened to the former St Bede's pupil who died hours later in Royal Preston Hospital's neurological unit.

A post mortem examination revealed the cause of death was severe head and facial injuries.

Kevin, who worked for Blackburn-based East Lancashire Refrigeration Ltd, his cousin, Danny Pomfrett, and friend, Graham Prescott, were about to make their way home from the club at 2.30am when eight to ten men pounced on the friends.

Police said the brunt of the attack seemed to centre on Kevin, who was punched, kicked and stamped upon.

Kevin's cousin, Damion Taylor, son of Blackburn snooker champion Dennis, said: "We can't believe what has happened. The three of them just went for a night out and then there was a fight afterwards. Everyone is very upset."

Today, Kevin's parents, Bill and Sheila, were still too upset to talk about the death of their son who was a keen member of Darwen golf club.

Former club captain Jim Fitzgerald said: "Kevin was a very quiet and popular member of the club who joined as a junior.

"He loved his golf, and everyone at the club is deeply shocked and devastated by his death and the way in which it happened."

Kevin's friend, John Grimshaw, who was planning a holiday to Tenerife with his pal next month, said: "We are all supporting each other through this, it still hasn't sunk in properly that he is dead."

Detectives leading the murder hunt issued an appeal for witnesses who may have seen the attack to come forward.

Acting Detective Chief Inspector Neil Smith said: "Kevin was more or less attacked as he walked across the car park near the club.

"All three lads were involved initially, but the brunt of the attack seemed to be on Kevin.

"It was a vicious and sustained attack and he was punched, kicked and stamped on."

Acting DCI Smith said around 200 people were outside the club at the time of the fight and he appealed for more to come forward.

He said: "It may be that people did not realise the seriousness of what was going on, but if any body saw the fight they should contact the police."

Officers questioned club-goers who visited Club Euro on Saturday night in a hunt for new leads.

Yesterday video recordings from the club and nearby security cameras were being examined further.

An incident room has been set up and can be reached on 01254 353569.

Three men are being questioned . Yesterday police applied to magistrates to detain two men for an extra 24 hours.

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