A TOWN is in shock after the murder of a young man outside a pub.

Joe Keever was assaulted outside the Shoulder of Mutton on Dunford Road in Holmfirth at around 8.30pm on Saturday.

The 27-year-old was rushed to Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and later transferred to Leeds General Infirmary but died of head injuries just after 10pm on Sunday.

Yesterday local people named him as Joe Keever, of Parkhead, Upperthong, Holmfirth.

Kirklees councillor Royston Rogers lives in the area.

He said: “People are in shock about this. It’s a good community in Upperthong and people tend to pull together when there are problems.”

Police announced yesterday that a 26-year-old man had been arrested and was being questioned about the incident.

Det Supt Tim Forber, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, is leading the investigation.

He said: “We know the man was outside the Shoulder of Mutton pub in Holmfirth where he was subjected to an assault.

“We believe there were up to 15 people in the vicinity of the pub at the time and it is vital that we speak to everyone who was there.

“Inquiries are under way to establish exactly what has happened and we would appeal for anyone with information to contact us.”

Overnight, floral tributes to the victim were placed outside the pub.

One tribute read: “Missing you Joe - Mum and Gary”, while a second bore the tribute: “Take care Joe, Anthony and Debbie”.

Renowned artist Ashley Jackson owns a gallery near the murder scene. He was shocked to learn of Mr Keever’s death.

Mr Jackson said: “I’m stunned by this. I’m very, very surprised that this would happen in Holmfirth – it’s a lovely place.”

He passed on his condolences to the victim’s family. Mr Jackson said: “It must be very sad for the young man’s parents – especially as it has happened so close to Christmas.

“It’s a sign of the times we live in when life has become cheap. There’s a lack of respect and discipline in England these days.”

Mr Jackson has visited the Shoulder of Mutton in the past. He said: “I pop in there occasionally, it’s a good pub.”

Round the corner at Charlesworth newsagents on Victoria Street, staff spoke of their shock at the murder.

Trish Wright, who has worked at the shop for 10 years, said: “I didn’t expect this to happen in Holmfirth. He was someone’s son and I’m very sorry for their loss.

“It’s tragic and my heart goes out to his family because I lost my husband at this time of year.”

At the nearby Kirkwood Hospice shop on Victoria Square, volunteer Pat Slacke spoke of her disbelief.

She said: “Every time you turn on the news there’s a murder. It happens everyday.

“It seems to be so common. What’s happening to this place? Something’s not right.”

Mrs Slacke, who lives in Mirfield, added: “We had a young lad killed in Mirfield recently. I don’t know if they have CCTV cameras here in Holmfirth but I know that we want them in Mirfield.”

Anyone with information can contact Huddersfield CID on 01484 436685 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The employer of Joe Keever has spoken of his shock.

He worked as a painter and car valeter at Westwood Motors in Honley for three years.

Owner Glynn Mosley paid tribute to the 27-year-old yesterday.

He said: “Joe was a superb worker, a good grafter, and I never had any problems with him.

“He was a happy-go-lucky lad who would help anyone.”

Mr Mosley last saw Mr Keever on Friday afternoon - a day before he was fatally attacked.

Mr Mosley said: “He’d been in town doing his shopping and had bought all his Christmas presents. He popped into the garage and I gave him a lift up to New Mill.

“I said to him that he shouldn’t go into Holmfirth on Saturday night because there was bound to be trouble.

“That was the last time I saw him.”

On Sunday around 2pm Mr Mosley was called by Mr Keever’s stepbrother Antony, who also works at the garage.

Mr Mosley said: “He said he was going to the hospital. He called again around 10pm to say that Joe had died.

“I felt terrible. I’m still in shock.”