Three teenage girls have been arrested on suspicion of murder after a shopper died of head injuries.

Jerry Appicella, 51, was found dead at home on Sunday at around 9.45am in Doncaster, South Yorkshire.

It is understood he had become involved in an altercation with a gang of youths in a nearby alleyway the previous Tuesday.

Police have arrested three juvenile females from the town today after a post-mortem showed the man died of head wounds.

“The death of Mr Appicella has naturally caused a great deal of distress and concern within what is a close-knit community,” Senior Investigating Officer Simon Palmer, of South Yorkshire Police, said.

“I would like to reassure people living in Denaby Main and the wider Doncaster area that our investigation is progressing at speed and we are committed to identifying those responsible for Mr Appicella’s death.

“We believe that Mr Appicella was involved in an altercation with a group of people prior to his death. We are carrying out active enquiries to trace members of that group who we believe were a mix of males and females of a variety of ages.”

Officers received a call on Sunday morning from a member of public concerned for Mr Appicella’s welfare.

Senior Investigating Officer Palmer added: “I would urge anyone with information which might help us piece together the circumstances around Mr Appicella’s death to contact us.

“We believe that this was a targeted attack and that there is no wider risk to the community.

“If you live in Denaby Main and the surrounding area, you might be seeing more of our officers than usual; they are there for your reassurance.

“If you have any questions or concerns, please speak to our officers, they will be happy to listen.

“I’d like to reassert that this is an active enquiry, please be mindful of what you are posting on social media and if you have any information that might be useful, please contact us.”

The investigation continues.