Teen, 19, charged with manslaughter as grandad and ex-soldier, 86, dies after being punched outside his home

A TEEN has been charged with manslaughter as a grandad and ex-soldier died after being punched outside his home.

Mohammed Al Aaraj, 19, has appeared in court after Frank Fishwick, 86, was found with facial injuries on September 10 and was rushed to hospital - where he later died.

A group of young people were hanging out in a stairway near his home in The Paddock in Preston, Lancashire, when Mr Fishwick went outside to speak to them.

The pensioner, who served with the Royal Engineers, was then punched in the face by one of the teens in the group at around 3pm on Friday - before they ran off.

Police confirmed that the grandad died of blood loss from fractures in his nose - consistent with him being assaulted.

The 19-year-old was then arrested on suspicion of murder - and was later charged with manslaughter.

Al Aaraj has appeared before Preston Magistrates' Court today, and spoke only to confirm his name and date of birth.

No pleas were entered and there was no application for bail.

District Judge Jane Hamilton told the defendant: "This is a serious matter and can only be dealt with by a judge and jury at crown court.

"I'm transferring this matter now to the crown court where you will appear on October 12."

Cops are still urging witnesses to come forward as their enquiries continue into the tragic death of Mr Fishwick.

In a tribute after his death Mr Fishwick's family described him as an "adored father and grandfather".

A police spokesman said: ''Prior to the assault, Mr Fishwick had gone outside to speak to a group of youths who were congregating in a stairway near to his home.

''During the interaction, Mr Fishwick was punched to the face by one of the group who all then ran off.

''Officers attended and found Mr Fishwick with facial injuries. He later attended hospital but sadly died on Saturday morning.

''A post-mortem examination found the cause of death to be bleeding as a result of fractures to the nose, consistent with being assaulted.

''An investigation was launched and on Sunday a 19-year-old man from Preston was arrested on suspicion of murder.

"We are continuing to appeal for witnesses and are asking anybody who saw the incident or who has information about it to get in touch with us.''

Det Ch Insp Mark Haworth-Oates, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “First and foremost our thoughts remain with Mr Fishwick’s family, who continue to be looked after by specialist officers. 

“Our enquiries are very much ongoing and we have now charged a man in relation to this incident.

"However, we are continuing to ask witnesses to come forward. If you saw the incident or have any information about who was involved and what happened, please let us know.

"Similarly, if you have any dashcam, CCTV or mobile phone footage showing what happened, please tell us.”