Mother Teresa's assistant dies after street attack in Wales

'He organised free cataract surgery camps and founded schools that gave rare access to education for girls,' family says

Mother Teresa's former assistant has died from injuries he sustained following an alleged attack in in Swansea city centre.

Mark Bloomfield died in hospital after he was found injured near the Full Moon Pub on the city’s High Street.

The 54-year-old's family said he was a charity worker who had worked all over the world including as a special assistant to Mother Teresa in Calcutta.

"Mark Bloomfield built a legacy that will continue to live on in the countless lives that he encountered,” they said in a statement. “As special assistant to Mother Teresa in Calcutta, he was an essential contributor to her mission and to those she cared for.”

"In India, he organised free cataract surgery camps and founded schools that gave rare access to education for girls. In Africa, he helped preserve wild game by introducing ultralight aircraft to combat the onslaught of poachers.

"He will be remembered for all of this and more by his mother and three siblings."

They added that Mr Bloomfield would continue to have an impact on others' lives as a registered organ donor.

South Wales Police are investigating the incident linked to his death and are appealing for information.

Colin Thomas Payne, 61, from Swansea, is currently remanded in custody having been charged with causing grievous bodily harm

A 21-year-old man and a 50-year-old woman were both arrested in connection with the matter and are currently released under investigation.

Detective Chief Inspector Darren George said: "My sincere condolences are passed to Mr Bloomfield's family, after he sadly passed away as a result of his injuries. A major incident room has been set up at Cockett Police Station and I am keen to hear from anyone who was inside the Full Moon Public House on High Street, Swansea, between 11.30am and 3.15pm on Thursday July 18, and who may have witnessed an altercation taking place.

"I am also keen to hear from anyone who was on High Street later in the day, between 2pm and 3.15pm, who may have witnessed an incident outside the Full Moon Public House."

He added: "No matter how insignificant your information or content may seem, please do come forward as it could make all the difference to the investigation and to the victim's family."

South Wales Police can be contacted via 101, quoting occurrence 1900262179.

Additional reporting by Press Association