Detectives are continuing their inquiry into the murder of Spalding dad Warren Free, with seven youths on police bail.
Mr Free (42) was found unconscious on August 28 at his home in Coronation Close, which is at the bottom end of Royce Road.
He was airlifted to Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham.
The investigation into how he sustained head injuries escalated into a murder inquiry when he died in the early hours of August 29.
The ages of the juveniles arrested have not been disclosed.
The seven were released on August 31, enabling police to continue their enquiries.
Coronation Close is a quiet area of South Holland District Council homes, mainly occupied by older residents. Mr Free, who moved there about five years ago, was the youngest tenant on the street, and lived with son Adam, believed to be 13.
Neighbours coming to terms with the shock of what has happened told The Voice that Mr Free and Adam were often together and always polite and friendly.
One woman, who has lived in Coronation Close for more than 30 years, said: “I used to see Warren every day, either in the shop or in the street.
“He was very polite and his little boy was very pleasant.
“We’re all shocked at what has happened.
“I cannot believe it. He didn’t do anybody any harm, as far as I know.”
David Bird (67) is another long-time resident of the close.
He said: “You don’t expect anything like that to happen, especially in a street of elderly people.”
And Berenice Brackenbury (69) described Mr Free as a caring man.
“It’s a massive shock,” she said. “He was a very nice person. I was ill recently and whenever he saw me he’d always ask how I was.”
An inquest into Mr Free’s death was opened in Boston on September 3.
The detective leading the murder inquiry has urged the public to come forward with any detail which might help solve the case.
Det Ch Insp Martin Holvey said: “We know that there was an incident involving Mr Free and a group of youths, and that he sustained injuries which subsequently led to his death.”
He added: “This is a very unusual incident for Lincolnshire as a county, and specifically for the Spalding area.
“I would like to thank the public in the town for the help they have given so far, but continue to appeal to anyone who knew Mr Free, and who has any information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to contact the incident room”.
Anyone with information should call police on 101 or Crimestoppers (anonymously) on 0800 555 111.
