A British tourist has died in Bali after sustaining injuries in an alleged assault outside a bar in Kuta, closing out a nearly two-week hospital battle that began with a late-night altercation and ended with his death at BIMC Hospital on Thursday, August 20.
Paul Innes Dougan was allegedly attacked by four foreign nationals at approximately 2 a.m. outside a bar in Kuta, Badung Regency, though the incident was only formally reported to police on the day of his death, nearly two weeks after it occurred.
A Delayed Report That’s Now Under Scrutiny
Bali Police spokesperson Kombes Ariasandy confirmed the case is being actively investigated by Denpasar Metropolitan Police, noting the significant gap between the alleged assault and the formal police report. “The incident was only reported yesterday, Thursday. The police chief went straight to the scene,” Ariasandy said Friday, August 21.
According to preliminary findings, investigators believe four foreign nationals were involved in the attack on Dougan, though authorities have not yet released the identities or nationalities of the suspects. “Preliminary findings strongly indicate four foreign individuals were involved as perpetrators,” Ariasandy added.
From a Kuta Hotel to Two Hospitals in Two Days
Following the alleged assault, Dougan initially returned to his hotel in Kuta, where he was later picked up by Murni Teguh Hospital staff for medical treatment. The following day, his son, Liam Michael Dougan, arranged for him to be transferred to the emergency department at BIMC Hospital, where he remained under treatment until his death.
Police have not yet disclosed the specific nature of Dougan’s injuries, though they have requested medical information from the hospital as part of their investigation. His body is currently at Dharma Yadnya General Hospital in Denpasar.
A Son’s Instagram Post Revealed the Severity of His Injuries
Before police confirmed the case publicly, details of Dougan’s condition had already surfaced through his son. Liam Dougan shared an update via his personal Instagram account, @liamdougann, revealing that his father had been treated in the ICU prior to his death.
According to Liam’s post, Paul Dougan suffered broken ribs and required three surgical procedures along with four blood transfusions during his hospitalization, details that paint a picture of an assault far more severe than a typical bar altercation.
Police have since taken a formal statement from Liam Dougan as part of the ongoing investigation. “A police report has been filed regarding this matter,” Ariasandy confirmed.
An Investigation Still in Its Early Stages
With the suspects’ identities still unconfirmed and the nearly two-week gap between the alleged assault and the police report, investigators face a challenging path in reconstructing the events of that night. For now, Denpasar Metropolitan Police continue gathering evidence, including hospital medical records and witness accounts, as they work to identify the four individuals believed to be responsible for the fatal attack.
This is a developing story, and Bali Reporter will update coverage as police release further details, including the identities of the suspects and the results of the ongoing investigation.
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