DETECTIVES are hunting up to five men after an alcoholic beaten up in the street died in hospital nine days later.

John Clarkson died on Sunday afternoon after being taken to hospital with serious head injuries on Saturday, March 6.

The 45-year-old, who had been living at the Flowerpot Hotel, in Shelton, had been walking alone nearby when he was knocked to the ground by four or five people at 11.30pm.

Mr Clarkson, who regularly appeared before North Staffordshire Magistrates' Court for drink offences, was known as Elvis because he often sang Presley songs when drunk.

A Staffordshire Police spokesman said: "We can confirm John Edward Clarkson, known locally as Elvis, who was assaulted in Shelton at around 11.30pm on March 6, died on Sunday afternoon at the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family at this difficult time. At this time, we are investigating a serious assault and a person has died as a result of that assault.

"We are pursuing a number of positive lines of inquiry and urge anyone who has any information to contact us."

Former social worker Mr Clarkson, who has also lived at Clerk Bank, Leek, and Brookhouse Road, Meir, was given a two-year Anti-Social Behaviour Order in December 2008 after complaints he was often drunk in public.

Mr Clarkson was last in court the day before he was attacked and fined £50 with one day's imprisonment after admitting being drunk in Stoke Road, Shelton, on March 2.

Mobile caterer Chris Brown, who runs Leek Luncheon Box, in Derby Street, Leek, said he had known Mr Clarkson for years. He said: "When he was sober he was a likeable guy, but when he was drunk he was a Jekyll and Hyde.

"He was an alcoholic in the truest sense of the word and that had a negative effect on him, but I've had many pleasant chats with him.

"John was very well known in Leek and certainly made his mark on the town.

"He chose his path. He used to say, 'Every man has his outlet' and his was drinking and singing Elvis songs, which he was actually quite good at.

"He led a complicated life because of the drink, but he was not a bad guy. It's such a shame his life has ended like this.

"It's very sad to hear he has died."

Anyone with information about the attack should call Detective Inspector Darren Harding on 0300 1234455 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.