AN ARMY private has died five days after being attacked outside a Hampshire pub.

Private Matt Brooks, who served in the Royal Logistics Corps, was assaulted outside Yates's bar in Portsmouth, last Thursday.

He suffered serious head injuries and died last night in the neurological unit at Southampton General Hospital.

The 18-year-old, from Trowbridge, Wiltshire, was enrolled on a course at HMS Sultan, Gosport, at the time of the incident.

Chief Superintendent David Peacock, of Hampshire police, said: "I'd like to offer my condolences to Matt's family.

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"Through our family liaison officer, we will continue to offer our support to them at this sad and difficult time."

Senior investigating officer Detective Inspector Darren Rawlings added: "Our sympathies go out to Matt's family.

"A man has been charged in connection with the assault and we are continuing our inquiries into this incident following his death."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "Our thoughts are with the family and friends of Private Brooks at this difficult time."

Dean Aldcroft, 21, of Warwick Crescent, Southsea, has been charged with two counts of assault and is due to appear at Portsmouth Magistrates' Court next Tuesday.