murder investigation has been launched after a man died from the injuries he received over six months after being assaulted in central London.

Desmond O’Beirne, 51 (27.08.66) from Westminster was attacked in the area outside the National Gallery in Trafalgar Square, WC2 by two men at around 00:25hrs on Saturday, 3rd June 2017.

London Ambulance Service attended and treated Desmond at the scene before taking him to hospital. However, he subsequently died from his injuries on Wednesday, 20 December 2017.

A post-mortem examination took place at Westminster Mortuary on 3 January 2018 and gave the cause of death as a head injury.

Next of kin have been informed and formal identification has taken place.

An investigation is underway by officers from the Homicide and Major Crime Command, led by Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh.

Police have previously released CCTV images of two men they want to trace in connection with this attack – these men have yet to be identified.

Suspect 1 has a top knot hair style, full beard, red t-shirt, dark trousers and light colour shoes. Suspect 1 can be seen to punch to the back of the victim’s head.

Suspect 2 was wearing a black jacket with a white emblem on right shoulder and white writing with a picture on the rear. He was also wearing a white top under the jacket, dark trousers and dark shoes with white soles. Suspect 2 can be seen to kick the victim after he collapsed on the pavement.

DCI McHugh said: “These two men will have spoken to friends and partners and possibly boasted about their mindless attack. I want you to call us with their names.

“The males are distinctive and will be known to their group that evening. Desmond never regained consciousness after the brutal attack and it is vital we bring his attackers to justice.”

Officers are keen to trace anyone who was in the area at around this time and witnessed the incident, particularly anyone who filmed or took photos of the attack, or the events either side of the attack.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 020 8785 8099. To give information anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

You can also tweet information via @MetCC.