Brother tells of anguish at pub attack

A MAN has described his anguish after his brother was beaten up in an attack that left another pub customer dead.

Peter Robertson said his 47-year-old brother, Derek, was in hospital with broken bones and punctured organs after being beaten around the head during the brutal incident in the Clubhouse public bar in Musselburgh, East Lothian.

Fellow drinker David Mc-Cardle, 40, died in the attack on Friday night, after he stepped in to try to stop a fight.

Following police inquiries, a 21-year-old man has now been arrested and charged with Mr McCardle's murder and is expected to appear at Haddington Sheriff Court today.

Mr McCardle and Mr Robertson were rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, but Mr McCardle, known to his friends as Yivil, died soon after.

Peter Robertson, from the Borders, who spent most of yesterday by his brother's bedside, said: "I have been so worried, and it has been very traumatic for everyone concerned.

He said his brother was conscious but heavily sedated, and could remember everything that had happened, including the identities of the attackers.

Peter Robertson had thought for a while that his brother had also died in the attack.

"Several of us close to him were told twice by friends of his that he had died," he said.

Police launched a murder investigation after the disturbance outside the bar, which happened about 10:30pm.

Mr McCardle worked as a joiner and was a well-known and well-liked member of the community, who leaves behind a large family.

The victims were found outside the pub by police.

The brutal murder has shocked residents of the East Lothian town and Mr Mc- Cardle's family and girlfriend Paula Cassidy are said to be devastated. Keith McCardle, the brother of David McCardle, who owns an electrician business in Musselburgh, said that it was a difficult time for the family.

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

Detective Inspector John Peaston, who is leading the investigation, said: "At this time we are still trying to determine the full circumstances which have tragically resulted in one man's death and another man being seriously injured.

"We believe that there may have been a number of potential witnesses from the Clubhouse pub and from the surrounding residential addresses who may be able to assist with inquiries.

"Musselburgh is quite a close-knit community and I would appeal for anyone with information to come forward."