Police have arrested three men on suspicion of murdering a North Yorkshire man.

Robert Adamczyk, 28, an engineer, was on a stag night when he was hit by one of a group of three men and fell, hitting his head on the ground, police believe.

He was pronounced dead at Leeds General Infirmary on Sunday morning after the attack, which took place near The Grand Theatre at the junction of Harrison Street and New Briggate, shortly before 2am.

A post-mortem examination has confirmed the cause of death as a head injury.

News of the arrests came early yesterday evening.

West Yorkshire police confirmed that three 18-year-olds were in custody and were suspected of being involved in the murder.

They did not release any more details.

Mr Adamczyk was from South Milford and is believed to have attended Sherburn High School. He had recently moved in with his girlfriend in Saxton, near Tadcaster, police said.

Detectives yesterday released CCTV images of three men, all believed to be in their late teens to early 20s. They were seen going in to the Space nightclub in Duncan Street.

Det Chief Insp Simon Atkinson, of the homicide and major inquiry team, said: “These incidents are very rare; it has happened in a moment.

“I am sure it would have been obvious he was seriously injured.

“People obviously did realise and came to their aid.

“Robert and his friend were on a night out.

“They had had a good night out. They had just come out of a bar and had been approached by three men.

“In the process of passing each other, there has been some sort of incident, resulting in Robert being punched and falling backwards into the road.

The family are devastated, absolutely devastated.

“A young man who was simply enjoying a night out has tragically lost his life and his family and friends are understandably distraught and are struggling to come to terms with what has happened.”

Mr Adamczyk had been celebrating a friend’s stag night. He and one friend had left the group and gone to North Bar, in New Briggate. The incident occurred after he and his friend left the bar.

The three men involved in the incident went towards The Headrow afterwards, police said.

Anyone who has any information is asked to phone the homicide and major inquiry team on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Mr Adamczyk played left back for South Milford Football Club which paid tribute to him on its Facebook page, describing him as a “genuine, funny, gentle, fun-loving and kind man.”

The tribute continued: “Our condolences go out to a mother and father who have lost a beautiful son, a man who has lost his little brother and a woman who has lost her soul mate.

“Everyone at South Milford Football Club can honestly say that this man will be very deeply missed but never forgotten and we feel privileged to have spent so much time with him both on and off the football pitch.

“The outpouring of love and respect for you will continue for a very long time. Sleep well, Robert.”